Man jailed after assaulting woman in Chester

A man has been sentenced to more than five years after inflicting multiple assaults on an ex-partner in Chester.

Ryan McHugh, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 70 months in prison at Chester Crown Court on Friday 5 July.

The 27-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, section 20 assault, and section 18 assault.

Cheshire Police received a call from a third party in February 2024 that a woman had been assaulted by McHugh. Officers attended an address in Chester and found the victim with injuries to her face, including multiple areas of swelling, and a black eye with a cut above it.

The victim stated McHugh had hit her in the face with an unopened can of alcohol, pulled her off a sofa by her hair, punched her, hit her with a whiskey glass, and kneed her to the forehead. 

He was also verbally abusive and even made threats to burn down her house.

The victim recalled that throughout their relationship, he would take her phone from her to check her messages, made her delete her social media accounts, and she wasn’t allowed to invite friends to her home without him being present.

She also reported being assaulted by McHugh previously, which caused a fracture to the side of her face.

McHugh was subsequently arrested and later charged in relation to the offences.

On top of his custodial sentence, McHugh was made subject to a 20-year restraining order.

Chief Inspector Paul Fegan said:

“No-one should have to go through what the victim in this case was subjected to. The trauma she went through at the hands of someone who claimed to care for her is shocking.

“I hope McHugh’s lengthy custodial sentence and restraining order will help bring her some closure, especially after her bravery in talking to police about what happened to her.

“Domestic abuse will not be tolerated, and we want to send a clear message out to everyone that you do not have to suffer alone.

“We take reports of this nature very seriously and will do all we can to ensure justice is served.”

To report any incidents of domestic abuse contact Cheshire police on 101, or report online via:

http://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

In an emergency, always call 999.

Further help and support is also available online at:

http://www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk

Chief Inspector Fegan added:

“Help is also available through the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. 

“If you have concerns about your current or ex-partner, because you're worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you, then you can submit a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application.

"The scheme, also known as Clare’s law, enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse that a person might have.”

To find out more about Clare’s law, or to submit a DVDS application, visit:

http://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/alpha/request-information-under-clares-law/

Pictured - Ryan McHugh.