❌ BARRY PURCELL – BOLTON, UK ❌
📍 Bolton Man Jailed After Assault and Threats Against Ex-Partner
Bolton, UK — Barry Purcell, 28, of Duke Street, Bolton, has been jailed for two years after violently assaulting his ex-partner and subjecting her to a sustained campaign of threats, intimidation, and harassment. The shocking attack took place on 12 August 2021 in front of their young child.
⚠️ The Attack
- Strangled his ex-partner, leaving visible marks and causing her severe distress.
- Spat at her and hurled a suitcase across the room.
- Struck her with a shoe and smashed a bedroom window.
- Attempted to bite her nose, telling her: “I’m not going to stop until you’re dead.”
- Their young child witnessed the ordeal, further traumatising the victim.
📨 Ongoing Harassment
- Between September 2021 and early 2022, Purcell repeatedly breached bail conditions by harassing the victim.
- Sent threatening messages, warning: “You’re both getting it. The child is going into care.”
- Attempted to pressure her into dropping charges by threatening to share intimate photographs.
- Created an ongoing environment of fear, control, and psychological abuse.
🚨 Previous Reckless Behaviour
Purcell was also convicted of aggravated vehicle taking after a reckless driving incident which endangered a child passenger. Judge Martin Walsh condemned this as a “grotesquely reckless act.”
⚖️ Court Outcome
- Jailed for two years at Bolton Crown Court.
- Handed a restraining order preventing contact with the victim.
- Received a four-year driving ban.
- Convicted of battery, criminal damage, harassment, witness intimidation, malicious communications, and aggravated vehicle taking.
💬 Victim Impact Statement
In a powerful statement to the court, the victim described the lasting trauma caused by Purcell’s abuse:
“I only get up because of the baby. If it was not for her, I don’t know what I’d do.”
🔎 Why This Case Matters
This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic abuse — physical, psychological, and emotional — and the need for strong protection measures for victims. Purcell’s behaviour fits a pattern of coercive control, threats, and intimidation which extended far beyond a single incident.