Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 5th March 2025, at 11:45hrs
Leon Richmond, 28, has been sentenced to 31 months in prison for a sustained campaign of coercive and controlling behaviour against his former partner, which included strangulation, physical assault, and relentless psychological abuse.
Richmond, formerly of Victoria Grove, Bolton, but now of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the charges at Preston Crown Court on Friday. The court heard that over a 19-month period, Richmond subjected his victim to a harrowing ordeal, leaving her traumatized and fearful.
The victim detailed a catalogue of abuse, including:
* Strangling her twice while she was pregnant.
* Biting her arm, leaving a permanent scar.
* Threatening to kill her during assaults.
* Constant accusations of infidelity.
* Persistent undermining, criticism, and verbal abuse.
* Threats and acts of property destruction.
* Throwing food at her.
* A barrage of abusive messages.
In a powerful victim impact statement read in court, the woman described how Richmond had transformed her from a confident and happy individual into a fearful and isolated survivor.
“I am a survivor. I survived domestic abuse,” she stated, adding that she now suffers from debilitating anxiety and panic attacks. “The main nightmare is of him and his abuse, of when he is in one of those moods and is coming towards me. This is debilitating.”
She also described the initial stage of the relationship. “Richmond was the perfect partner in the beginning. I cannot describe how good he was. When I think about him, I fully understand why and how I fell head over heels in love with him. I just wish this act was the real him.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Richmond was issued an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting his victim directly or indirectly.
Detective Constable Sarah Birtwistle, from the East Division, condemned Richmond’s actions, stating, “Richmond’s behaviour towards the victim is reprehensible and has had a significant and ongoing impact on her. He quickly turned from a loving boyfriend into a monster who made the victim’s life a daily nightmare through his controlling, coercive and physically and verbally abusive behaviour.”
DC Birtwistle urged anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse to report it to the police. “Such behaviour has no place in our society and I would encourage anyone who is living it or knows or suspects someone else is the victim of it, to contact the police straight away. You will be listened to, you will be believed and we will do everything in our power to put the perpetrator before the courts.”
Anyone affected by domestic abuse can report it online at or by calling 101. In emergencies, always call 999. Support is available.
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