A violent abuser who stuck his thumbs into his girlfriend’s eyes, strangled and threatened her with a knife after she tried to break up with him has walked free from court.
Vile Layton Bowman, 20, brutally attacked his victim and left her fearing for her life on 10th May earlier this year when she told him she wanted to end their relationship.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard how Bowman’s ex-girlfriend had left to stay at a friend’s house after dumping him, only for the paranoid abuser to stalk her and hurl verbal abuse whilst banging on the door until she opened it.
He told his terrified ex-girlfriend he would beat her “black and blue” once he managed to get inside the property.
Violent Attack Inside Friend’s Home
Prosecutor Alison Whalley described the horrifying assault that followed when the victim opened the door.
“He pushed her face with his right fist, entering the home. He began smoking marijuana in the kitchen, which the victim said appeared to calm him down,” Ms Whalley said.
“However, he soon became upset again. He said he’d beat her ‘black and blue’. He poked his thumbs into the corners of her eyes.”
Bowman then forced his victim to order a taxi before they left together, during which he subjected her to further abuse and accusations.
“He told the victim to order a taxi. They left together. He asked her if she’d been sleeping with taxi drivers,” the prosecutor told the court.
The controlling thug launched another assault on his ex-girlfriend the following day, which led to his arrest by Staffordshire Police.
Spat at Officers and Urinated in Cell
Officers also found cannabis in Bowman’s possession when they detained him following the attacks.
The coward spat at officers while they handcuffed him and later urinated all over his police cell in a final act of defiance.
Steve Hennessy, mitigating, told the court his client was fortunate his victim had not been seriously injured during the brutal assaults.
“It’s something of a blessing that the victim was not seriously injured. She was understandably distressed by his behaviour, but she suffered no visible injuries,” Mr Hennessy said.
“He accepts his actions and is deeply shame-faced and embarrassed. He’s had time while on remand to reflect on his actions, his drug taking and his associates.”
The defence solicitor said Bowman hoped to return to his grandmother’s house upon release and had a job opportunity at the Pets at Home warehouse, where his uncle works as a manager.
Guilty Pleas to Multiple Offences
Bowman eventually pleaded guilty to a string of offences including assault, intentional strangulation, threatening a person with an offensive weapon, common assault, assault by beating of an emergency worker, possession of a controlled drug of class B (cannabis), and two counts of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.
The defendant was sentenced to nine months in prison but was released immediately due to the time he had already spent on remand awaiting trial.
Recorder Robert Smith expressed frustration that his hands were tied by sentencing guidelines, preventing him from imposing a longer custodial term.
“Your victim was unfortunate enough to be in a relationship with you. You did not take the break up well. When she opened the door, you immediately attacked her and insulted her,” Recorder Smith said.
“You attempted to threaten, intimidate and control a vulnerable young woman. You behaved as a bully. You were absolutely vile to her. If you do not change your ways you will spend the rest of your adult life behind bars.”
The judge added: “Because of the time you have already spent in remand, I must release you today. I would have liked to give you longer behind bars, but my hands are tied.”
Police Praise Survivor’s Bravery
Sergeant Mick Johnson, from Stoke-on-Trent north local policing team, praised the victim for coming forward and assisting with the investigation.
“I am delighted that we were able to secure evidence against Bowman and convict him for his offending,” Sergeant Johnson said.
“I would like to commend the bravery of the survivor in this case for coming forward and assisting us with our investigation.”
He added: “I hope this conviction shows that we are committed to taking robust action against those who commit violence crimes in Stoke-on-Trent and wider Staffordshire.”
Sentencing Controversy
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about sentencing for domestic violence offenders, with victims’ advocates arguing that violent abusers are being released too quickly due to prison overcrowding and automatic release provisions.
Under current legislation, offenders automatically receive credit for time spent on remand, which counts towards their sentence and can result in immediate release even when judges would prefer to impose longer custodial terms.
The practice of crediting remand time has become increasingly controversial as violent offenders walk free from court despite being sentenced to months or even years in prison.
Bowman’s release comes amid a wider crisis in the criminal justice system, with courts facing backlogs and prisons operating at near capacity across England and Wales.
Domestic violence charities have repeatedly warned that lenient sentences for violent abusers send the wrong message to perpetrators and fail to protect vulnerable victims from further harm.
The victim in this case suffered a terrifying ordeal at the hands of a controlling partner who could not accept the end of their relationship, resorting to violence, strangulation and threats with a weapon.
Strangulation is recognised as one of the most dangerous forms of domestic abuse and is a significant predictor of future fatal violence in relationships.
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