Man imprisoned after punching and biting his partner

Marcus Hill, aged 39, beat the woman on February 1 this year. 

Hill, who is originally from Little Hulton but is now of no fixed abode, had been in a relationship with her since 2023. 

He was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on September 25 for the assault. 

Prosecuting, Peter Malone said: "The victim was the partner of the defendant. They begun a relationship in August or September of last year. 

"The relationship was described as an unhappy one, with the defendant being abusive and controlling of (his partner)." 

The court heard how on February 1 this year Hill "hit and bit" the woman, then "ending up on top of her with his arm on her neck". 

She then left the address, but the defendant came after her. 

Mr Malone added: "He grabbed hold of her and dragged her by the hair. She tried to resist and he punched her, which caused her to fall to the floor. 

"The defendant picked her up and put her over his shoulder, carried her to a back street where there was no one. 

"She later said that she felt like she was never going to escape and get away from his abuse." 

The woman went to the police on March 1, where "numerous injuries could be seen", although it was unclear whether those injuries were from the occasion on February 1. 

Her victim personal statement was read out by Mr Malone. 

He said: "She says for several months since the defendant's arrest, she has been living in fear and says that she has had to move repeatedly due to the ongoing threat from the defendant. 

"She says the stress and anxiety is unbearable and she has made two attempts to take her own life. She sees no end to her trauma. 

"The incident has caused her PTSD and she is constantly hiding in fear that the defendant will eventually kill her." 

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Hill has four convictions for four offences, including an assault on an emergency worker and dangerous driving. 

He had pleaded guilty to the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. 

Defending, Bob Elias said: "This defendant has been in custody for a while, he has served a sentence for dangerous driving, for which he had a release date of June 20. 

"He has been in custody for this matter since that date, for three months. 

"He has behaved well and has got enhanced status, and is involved in the administration of his wing. He behaves in a responsible way in custody. 

"Five members of his family are here for him, who see him as something of a gentle giant. They think violence and aggression is not his habitual stance." 

At this point Judge Elliot Knopf questioned the validity of this claim, highlighting Hill's previous convictions for violence. 

Mr Elias added: "He has done well in a closed environment and has been locked up for a long time. What is the point of staying in custody?" 

Concluding, Judge Knopf said: "You pleaded guilty to the charge just three weeks before the case was due to be tried. 

"I was concerned to ascertain from your counsel Mr Elias whether you stood by that plea which I understood was full facts. In the report prepared by the probation service it records that in your discussion with the probation officer you denied the description we heard today on your assault of your partner. 

"You denied anything more than slapping her and denied any sustained behaviour towards her. 

"I was very concerned to ascertain just what was happening here, whether you genuinely accepted the offences." 

At this point Hill, appearing over the link, raised his hand. Judge Knopf denied him the opportunity to speak and his counsel told him to be quiet. 

The judge added: "You have been described as a gentle giant. In a Tarzan-like operation you put her over your shoulder to carry her back inside. 

"This was a disgraceful display of behaviour towards this woman, who you now say to the probation officer you never wish to see again. 

"I am sure the complainant shares that view." 

Judge Knopf added: "You have previous convictions for violence, a gentle giant you may be, but you have served prison sentences for common assault and assault of an emergency worker." 

He sentenced Hill to 11 months imprisonment. He also granted a 10 year restraining order, ordering him not to go within 100 yards of the complainant's address or the address of her mother in Bolton. 

Hill was also ordered not to make any attempts to contact her. 

If you are suffering domestic violence or are a survivor of the abuse, report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes via www.gmp.police.uk using the 'report' tool.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.