Domestic violence victim scarred for life by violent partner who threw her down stairs during drunken rage

A domestic abuse victim needed 27 stitches to a head wound and was left scarred for life after being thrown down a flight of stairs by her partner during a drunken rage.
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John McHugh was locked up for 15 months over the attack on his partner at his home in Wakefield.

McHugh carried out the assault at his apartment on Thornes Road after the couple had spent the day drinking vodka together at the property.

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Anthony Moore, prosecuting, said the incident took place in the early hours of July 1 last year after the woman accused McHugh of sending text messages to his former partner.

Leeds Crown CourtLeeds Crown Court
Leeds Crown Court

Mr Moore said McHugh had become angry with the victim on previous occasions when she accused him of contacting the woman.

McHugh turned violent when the victim said to him: "Why can't you just tell me the truth?"

The defendant then grabbed his partner by her pony tail and dragged her out of the room they were in and onto the first-floor landing.

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Mr Moore said the victim does not not recall anything after that moment until waking up in hospital.

She suffered a serious gash to her forehead which required 27 stitches and also broke several ribs.

Neighbours contacted police when they heard shouting and banging coming from the property and a female voice screaming.

McHugh was also heard to say: "You push me too f****** far."

The 47-year-old pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

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He has previous convictions for violence as well as burglary and robbery.

James Littlehales, mitigating, said McHugh accepted pushing the woman out of the flat and down the stairs.

Mr Littlehales said McHugh had been in custody since October last year.

Sentencing McHugh, The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl QC, said: "It seems you were in a bad mood and that came out when you argued with her.

"You used violence towards her and that is not acceptable.

"The consequences were very traumatic.

"It is plain that they are very serious injuries."