THOMAS BARDSLEY SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT IN SUSSEX
| Red Rose Database
Sussex Domestic Abuser Emotional/Psychological Narcissistic Abuser Verbal Abuser
Thomas Bardsley, a 34-year-old man from Sussex, has been handed a ten-year prison sentence following his conviction for a violent and unprovoked attack on his former girlfriend, Shannon Johnson. The incident, which shocked the local community, involved a series of brutal assaults that left Johnson severely injured and traumatized.
According to court reports, Bardsley's assault began with a terrifying physical confrontation at Johnson’s residence. He reportedly grabbed her by the neck and pressed his thumbs into her windpipe, cutting off her airflow in a display of extreme violence. The attack escalated further when Bardsley used a brick to repeatedly strike her head, causing significant injuries. The assault was so severe that Johnson required immediate hospital treatment for a large laceration on her head. Her young daughter was also deeply affected, unable to recognize her mother for weeks due to the trauma and injuries sustained during the attack.
The incident unfolded after Bardsley tracked Johnson to her home in Sussex following a night out. During that night, he had threatened to kill her and had already assaulted her, demonstrating a pattern of controlling and violent behavior. The situation was eventually interrupted when Johnson’s new partner intervened, successfully chasing Bardsley away from the scene. Despite his retreat, Bardsley later returned to Johnson’s house, desperately pleading to be let inside. Footage captured by a ring doorbell camera showed him returning covered in Johnson’s blood, visibly remorseful and begging for entry.
Johnson described her ex-boyfriend as a deeply controlling individual with a history of alcohol-fueled aggression. She referred to him as a “monster” and emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs of abusive relationships. Her testimony highlighted the ongoing danger posed by individuals like Bardsley and the need for awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
In January, Bardsley was convicted of wounding with intent and threats to kill. The court also imposed a lifelong restraining order to prevent any further contact with Johnson. Bardsley's actions and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of intervention and support for victims. Johnson expressed her relief that her partner was present that night to save her and shared her hope that her experience will serve to educate others about the signs of abuse, encouraging victims to seek help early and avoid the devastating consequences of unchecked violence.
According to court reports, Bardsley's assault began with a terrifying physical confrontation at Johnson’s residence. He reportedly grabbed her by the neck and pressed his thumbs into her windpipe, cutting off her airflow in a display of extreme violence. The attack escalated further when Bardsley used a brick to repeatedly strike her head, causing significant injuries. The assault was so severe that Johnson required immediate hospital treatment for a large laceration on her head. Her young daughter was also deeply affected, unable to recognize her mother for weeks due to the trauma and injuries sustained during the attack.
The incident unfolded after Bardsley tracked Johnson to her home in Sussex following a night out. During that night, he had threatened to kill her and had already assaulted her, demonstrating a pattern of controlling and violent behavior. The situation was eventually interrupted when Johnson’s new partner intervened, successfully chasing Bardsley away from the scene. Despite his retreat, Bardsley later returned to Johnson’s house, desperately pleading to be let inside. Footage captured by a ring doorbell camera showed him returning covered in Johnson’s blood, visibly remorseful and begging for entry.
Johnson described her ex-boyfriend as a deeply controlling individual with a history of alcohol-fueled aggression. She referred to him as a “monster” and emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs of abusive relationships. Her testimony highlighted the ongoing danger posed by individuals like Bardsley and the need for awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
In January, Bardsley was convicted of wounding with intent and threats to kill. The court also imposed a lifelong restraining order to prevent any further contact with Johnson. Bardsley's actions and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of intervention and support for victims. Johnson expressed her relief that her partner was present that night to save her and shared her hope that her experience will serve to educate others about the signs of abuse, encouraging victims to seek help early and avoid the devastating consequences of unchecked violence.