Social worker, 23, slams ‘laughable’ sentence given to ex who broke her jaw and nose

Warning: Graphic image

A woman, 23, left with a fractured jaw and broken nose in an attack by her ex-boyfriend has slammed the “laughable” sentence he received for the attack.

Social worker Robyn Howard was left bloodied by her former partner, who flew into a violent rage after a night out to celebrate her new job.

Graphic images show her injuries following the attack on 3 June.

On 11 July, her ex pleaded guilty to causing her actual bodily harm and magistrates in Manchester sentenced him to 24-week custody, suspended for two years.

He was also given a two-year restraining order, which prevents any contact with Robyn, ordered to pay £250 compensation and complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

Robyn said: “The sentence was laughable really, considering what he did to me, especially the compensation.”

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She had just locked up and was heading upstairs to bed when he repeatedly punched and kicked her in her head and body.

Robyn tried to escape and screamed for help and eventually managed to get outside, and to the safety of her brother’s house, just as the police arrived.

Worried neighbours called 999 after hearing her screams during the attack at the hands of her ex, who she does not want to name.

Robyn was taken to hospital by ambulance following the assault, where she was told that she had suffered a fractured jaw and broken nose.

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Robyn is urging victims to report domestic violence so abusers can be found using Clare's Law.

She added: "I am going public about this because if other women are concerned that partner has an abusive past, they can ask to check under Clare’s Law then they can make an informed decision about the future of their relationship.

"It wouldn't have been beneficial to me, because he had no known offences, but around 80% don't get reported so it's so important that people report it.”

Robyn has teamed up with Wigan Borough Domestic Abuse Services to organise a fundraising event on 15 October at the DW Stadium in her hometown of Wigan.

She hopes to raise money for Target Hardening, which helps improve security at homes of domestic abuse victims, and Refuge, which provides shelter to victims.

Robyn said: “These organisations are desperately in need of extra funds. There is a lot of domestic violence but people hardly ever talk about it.

"The victims need help during a time that is so isolating and difficult and awareness needs raising of just how widespread this type of crime is."