Women punched and strangled by controlling Kent abuser

Two women were punched and strangled by a controlling abuser. Darrell McArdle had been in relationships with both victims but subjected them to physical and psychological abuse - including banning them from meeting other men or friends.

He started seeing one of the victims in February 2020, but by June sought to control every aspect of her life. He began to insist she did not speak to any other men or see her friends, and would beat her if she wore clothing he deemed inappropriate.

McArdle forced her to erase any social media accounts she had and threatened to harm her family if she ever left him. During one assault on the victim in June 2021, at a property in Gravesend, he repeatedly punched her to the head and forced a tooth from her mouth when she began to cry.

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McArdle assaulted the second victim on November 21 2023, when he twice entered the Maidstone home of a former partner. He punched her in the face several times, during an ordeal which also saw the victim pinned to a sofa and strangled.

McArdle, 24, of The Orchard, Swanley was arrested in the following weeks, as part of a case led by the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team. He appeared before Maidstone Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

On Monday, April 29 McArdle was sentenced to two years in prison. He was also made the subject of a five-year restraining order, relating to one of the victims.

'Abused, isolated and tormented'

Detective Constable Joe Yandle said: "McArdle continuously abused, isolated and tormented one of his victims during much of their relationship, with actions which were clearly intended to humiliate and degrade her. Ultimately, this man is a violent bully and coward who has subjected two women to the most appalling violence but has demonstrated little to no remorse or shame for his deplorable behaviour.

"I would like to thank and commend both these victims who have shown great courage to come forward, and also reassure anyone who may be in an abusive relationship that we have dedicated teams which work relentlessly to tackle and deter people like McArdle.

"Victims of domestic abuse often feel frightened, isolated and even ashamed, but they are never to blame for what is happening. There is a range of support and information available; please phone us or ask a trusted friend or relative to do it.

"Nobody should feel they don’t have the option to walk away."

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