RYAN MCHUGH OF CHESTER SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE IN CHESTER

A man who physically assaulted and verbally abused his ex-partner has been sentenced to jail. Ryan McHugh, 27, of no fixed address in Chester, attacked the woman by kneeing her in the head, hitting her with a whisky glass, punching her, dragging her by the hair, and striking her in the face with an unopened drinks can. McHugh had previously admitted to charges including controlling and coercive behaviour, section 20 assault, and section 18 assault.

He was sentenced to nearly six years in prison and received a 20-year restraining order during a hearing at Chester Crown Court.

The court was informed that Cheshire Police responded to a report of an incident at a Chester residence in February, where they found the victim with two black eyes, swelling, and facial cuts. She reported that McHugh was verbally abusive, threatening to burn down her home, and controlling her actions by checking her phone messages, insisting she delete social media accounts, and forbidding her from seeing friends.

Following his arrest and prosecution, McHugh was jailed for 70 months on July 5. Inspector Paul Fegan commented, "The trauma she went through at the hands of someone who claimed to care for her is shocking. I hope McHugh’s lengthy custodial sentence and restraining order will help bring her some closure, especially after her bravery in talking to police about what happened to her."

He also emphasized that support remains available, stating, "Help was also available through the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247."