Horrific injuries of girlfriend battered by thug lover twice in six hours before boasting ‘ha loving life’
A BRUTE who left his girlfriend with two black eyes after beating her up twice in six hours, boasted on social media he was ”Haha – loving life” as police were about to arrest him.
Dale Burgess, 31, had slapped Caroline Ashwick up to ten times around the face and then stamped on her in an assault so savage she feared she would die.
But as Miss Ashwick was having photographs taken of her injuries, Burgess posted two messages on Facebook blaming her for the attack, saying: ”I can’t make everyone listen to me but it’s not all me remember that and she made me go like that b****.”
A second post read: ”Say wot you want about me. She was taking drugs and drinking. I wanted better for her and I’m not like that so just f**k off.” The third read: ”Haha loving life.” He was arrested a week later.
In a statement to police, Miss Ashwick who works for a software development firm said: “I was frightened and feared for my life. At one point I thought I might have died and I felt so dizzy and was scared and confused.
”During the time I spent with him I lost family, friends and nearly my job, and felt suicidal at times. He has destroyed my life.”
At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, Burgess, of Oldham, was convicted of assault and was jailed for 18 months.
The court heard the pair had been dating for a year and lived together in Stockport.
The assaults happened on February 10 this year after Burgess flew into a rage over texts he found on Miss Ashwick’s phone.
Prosecutor Philip Hall said: “The defendant got her inside the bathroom and read texts on her mobile phone. She was frightened and he then began a repeated assault on her, and she suffered numerous backhanded blows to her face.
“Both her eyes were swollen, she was bruised and she fell to the floor.
“She was punched in her legs and the defendant repeatedly stamped on her with his knees. She received ten backhanded blows and punches.”
When interviewed by the police Burgess denied causing any injuries and claimed they were caused by a drug dealer.
Passing sentence, Judge Mark Savill told Burgess: “You were in a volatile relationship with her and on the day in question you were under the influence of drink or drugs and were behaving in a difficult and abusive way.
“You lost your temper completely and began what was a ferocious attack against her. You used both your hands and put your back hand to her face. I have seen the injuries and they are quite appalling.
“I am prepared to accept you have ADHD, borderline personality disorder and learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and depression.
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“However, you lost your temper I note with concern that you pose a serious risk of harm to the victim. These were brutal attacks.”
Following the social media posts, Burgess was branded ‘vermin’ and ‘scumbag’ by the victim’s friends.
Danielle Wright said: ”She gave her whole life up for u and you’ve done this to her.” Stacey Moore said: ”She made you do it? Nah mate you chose to do that to a vulnerable woman that did nothing but love you. Love the sound of karma coming.”
