Suspect named after woman threatened with fake gun and grabbed by throat

A suspect has been named after a woman was threatened with a fake gun. Officers were called to an address in Whiston on Wednesday, November 13 to reports a man had threatened a woman inside while holding what is thought to have been an imitation firearm.

He was further reported to have allegedly grabbed the woman by the throat, assaulted her and caused damage at the address. Officers were deployed and detained a man near Prescot Fire Station.

The same suspect reportedly assaulted the victim on October 26, when it was alleged he grabbed her by the throat, assaulted her and caused damage to property. Paul Regan, 20, of Beaconsfield Prescot has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, two counts of Section 47 assault, two counts of non-fatal intentional strangulation, making a threat to commit criminal damage and two counts of criminal damage.

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Regan, who was charged on Thursday, November 14, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' court today, Friday, and was remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on December 13. Detective Inspector Graeme Kehoe, from our specialist Knowsley & St Helens Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said: “Merseyside Police takes every report of domestic abuse extremely seriously.

"We are determined to put domestic abuse offenders before the courts, support victims and protect vulnerable people across Merseyside. We regularly hold lived experience workshops and victim survivor forums to listen to victims and understand where we need to improve the service we provide.

“Last month we launched our #TakingAction campaign to end violence against women and girls. Hopefully every action we taken following reports will reassure victims that their reports will be taken seriously.

“I would ask anyone who may be a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is a victim, to reach out for help. We are here to listen and support you and bring perpetrators to justice.”