Ex-Fiance Charged With Abh

[Smiffy1973]

My now ex fiance attacked me last weekend, we had both been drinking (not loads though) He dragged me off the sofa, punched me in the side of the head, I fell over. He dragged me up by the hair and punched me in the face, I fell over again. He repeatedly kicked me with steel toe cap boots on and dragged me back up again and punched me over and over. The result of this is that I have 8 stitches in my face, a broken nose and severley bruised ribs (im not convinced they arent broken)

He is of previous good character and has never done anything like this before (we have been together 4 years and he was with his ex 15 years and never laid a finger on her)

What is his likely punishment?

[frugalfred]

Prison, I hope.

[jim360]

Sentencing guidelines for ABH are available here:

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/s_to_u/sentencing_manual/assault_occasioning_actual_bodily_harm/

If he is of "previous good character" but the attack was as violent as you describe that would appear to place this in Category Two, so he can expect a sentence somewhere between community service and up to a year in prison. However you should consult the CPS/ police for more details as they -- and indeed you -- could press for a higher sentence.

[atalanta]

Whatever the outcome, don't go back to him. He has found out how much fun it is to use you as a punch-bag, and he will only get worse if you seem to accept his behaviour by letting him back into your life. Turn your back on him now. There are plenty of men out there who would not dream of bashing a woman. See if you can find a decent one next time.

[craft1948]

It would depend how quickly my mates could find him........

[nannybooby]

not enough - what a thug -make sure you don't go back for more !

[Smiffy1973]

I went to hospital yesterday again and I do have a broken rib, will this make a difference?

[Orderlimit]

Hi Smiffy1973, I would certainly update the police officer dealing with the case and / or the CPS caseworker.

[FredPuli43]

A broken rib may elevate "actual bodily harm" to section 20 "grievous bodily harm". That's something of a technical difference when it comes to sentencing because the judge will sentence according to the injuries and the behaviour, and the theoretical maximum sentence is 5 years (which the ex won't get) for both, but the CPS may well have it charged as "gbh" because that looks, and is, more serious on the man's record.

[Smiffy1973]

Thanks for your answers, I have updated the police