A man described as ‘cowardly’ has been released from court following his sentencing for a brutal assault on his former girlfriend, during which he forcefully pressed his thumbs into her eyes.
Layton Bowman, aged 20 and residing in Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, attacked his ex-partner by strangling her, threatening her with a knife after she informed him of her decision to end their relationship. The subsequent day, upon his arrest, he spat at a police officer and was found in possession of cannabis. Additionally, while in custody, Bowman exhibited disruptive behavior by urinating in his police cell.
Despite being sentenced to nine months in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday, Bowman was immediately released due to the time already spent in custody awaiting trial.
Bowman admitted guilt to several charges, including assault, intentional strangulation, wielding an offensive weapon, common assault, assaulting an emergency worker, possessing cannabis, and causing damage to property valued under £5,000.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Bowman aggressively demanded entry into his victim’s residence, threatening violence upon gaining access. He resorted to smoking marijuana, which momentarily pacified him before his aggression resurfaced. He physically assaulted the victim, including poking his thumbs into her eyes and making intimidating remarks.
Further incidents of assault occurred when Bowman returned to the victim’s premises on another occasion, leading to his arrest after resisting officers, whom he also spat at. His actions persisted while in custody, resulting in costly damages due to his disruptive behavior.
In his defense, Bowman’s lawyer, Steve Hennessy, mentioned that his client has reflected on his behavior and aspires to secure employment soon. Hennessy emphasized the absence of severe physical harm to the victim but acknowledged her distress caused by Bowman’s actions.
In his remarks, Recorder Robert Smith condemned Bowman’s reprehensible conduct towards the victim, highlighting his attempts to control and intimidate her. Despite expressing a desire for a longer prison sentence, the judge cited the time already served by Bowman and his hands being bound in releasing him on that day.