Thug, 20, ‘shoved thumbs into ex-girlfriend’s eyes’ in fury over break-up | UK | News

A “bully” who stuck his thumb in the corners of his eyes after breaking up with his ex-girlfriend has been sentenced. Layton Bowman, 20, of Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, attacked his victim, strangled her and threatened her with a knife on May 10.

Prosecutor Alison Whalley told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that Bowman threatened to beat his former partner “black and blue”. The court heard the victim was staying at a friend’s house after breaking up with Bowman. Ms Whalley said Bowman “knocked on the door until she opened it” and used a derogatory term.

He told the court: “As he entered the house, he pushed his face with his right fist. He started smoking cannabis in the kitchen, which the victim said calmed him down.”

“But soon he got upset again. He said he would beat him ‘black and blue.'” He stuck his thumbs in the corners of his eyes.

“He told the victim to call a taxi. They went together. He asked her if she slept with taxi drivers.”

The court heard Bowman attacked the victim again the next day. StokeonTrentLive reports.

He was later arrested by police and spat at a police officer.

The person, who had marijuana on him, damaged his cell while he was in custody.

Steve Hennessy, mitigating, said Bowman had matured from the experience and hoped to gain employment in the near future.

He said: “It was a blessing that the victim was not seriously injured.

“He was understandably disturbed by his behaviour, but suffered no visible injuries.

“He accepts his actions and feels deep shame. While in prison he has had time to reflect on his actions, his drug use and his friends.

“He hopes to return to his grandmother’s house when he is released. He finds a job opportunity at the Pets at Home warehouse where his uncle works as a manager.”

Bowman pleaded guilty:

• Assaulting a person and causing actual bodily harm to him/her

• intentional strangulation

• Threatening a person with an assault weapon/cutting object/corrosive substance in a private area

• common attack

• Attack on emergency worker by beating

• Possession of a class B controlled drug – cannabis

• Two counts of criminal damage to property worth less than £5,000.

He was sentenced to nine months in prison but was immediately released as his detention period expired.

Recorder Robert Smith said: “Your victim was unfortunate enough to have a relationship with you. You did not take the breakup well. When she opened the door you immediately attacked and insulted her.

“You tried to threaten, intimidate and control a defenseless young woman. You acted like a bully. You behaved absolutely despicably towards her. If you don’t change your attitude, you will spend the rest of your adult life behind bars.”

“Due to the time you spent in prison, I have to release you today. I would like to keep you behind bars longer, but my hands are tied.”