by A thug left his ex-girlfriend beaten at the bottom of the stairs, the walls and ceiling of her bedroom splattered with blood. a party
He eventually contacted the police after his mother asked him to do so. Liverpool Crown Court heard that the 33-year-old had been in a relationship with the woman for around two years, but had split a year before March 9 this year.
That evening, they both attended the same party before she returned home with a friend and two of Benali’s friends – who were not invited. Michael O’Brien, prosecuting, said how they eventually left and the woman went to the bathroom. However, when she opened the door after using the facilities, she found her ex-partner standing on the other side.
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The mother told him to leave, but instead, Benali hit her several times. She later recalled lying at the bottom of her stairs, with her neighbor and police officers now present, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Crime scene investigators found the walls, ceiling and floor of her bedroom covered in blood. She was taken by ambulance to Whiston Hospital, where it was determined that she had sustained injuries including broken nasal bones.
The victim, who lost one tooth and had another tooth loose in the attack, shared her ordeal in a statement read to the court. She said: “This crime left me with life-changing injuries. The pain was absolutely terrible. I couldn’t eat and had to drink through a straw. I’m still sick and worried.”
Benali, of Avondale Road in Haydock, unsuccessfully tried to contact the victim through his mother after the incident, but handed himself in to police on March 10 after she told him to do so. He has three previous convictions for five offenses including battery and criminal damage in January 2023, of which his ex-partner was the victim.
Paul Becker, defending, told the court that his client had found jobs working as a wing cleaner and a food server at HMP Liverpool since being remanded in custody, adding: “Several members of staff have commented on the work ethic of the defender. trouble and be difficult, he is working hard.
“The defendant advises me that he was invited to the address. He understands that, particularly in light of his previous convictions, it may be his honor to conclude that the only appropriate punishment is immediate imprisonment. If your honor comes to that opinion, he will understand, because this is a serious offense. The defendant has expressed that he is ashamed, embarrassed and heartbroken in relation to the harm he has done to the victim.”
“The defendant is very disappointed to find himself in custody. He is trying to make the best of the situation. He understands that he has done wrong. He understands that he needs to stop being violent towards females. He has learned his lesson. He will use his time in custody constructively.”
Benali admitted causing grievous bodily harm. He was jailed for two years and given a five-year restraining order.
Sentencing, Recorder David Knifton KC said: “It appears to have been an unhealthy relationship. Your description is that it was a toxic relationship. There is a history of domestic violence. It appears that the two of you to a surprise birthday party, which was held in honor of your sister, an argument developed.
“What doesn’t seem to be in dispute is that she made it quite clear that she wanted you to leave. Things had gone quiet, she assumed you had left. But when she left the room bath, she found you standing in front of her. You then assaulted her including, apparently, hitting her several times.
“After assaulting her in that way, you then left the house and first tried to evade the police. There is no doubt that this assault had a significant and lasting effect on her. I accept that you show real remorse and shame on your part.I have also read some remarkable references, especially those from prison officials regarding your time in custody so far.
“You are described as hard-working and compassionate. You were given a trusted role in custody. It was undoubtedly a long and sustained attack against a vulnerable victim. It developed.”
