Luton thug jailed over 4 years after beating girlfriend unconscious with wooden table leg

33-year-old Russell Ward, of Dunstable Road, was sentenced to four and half years in jail at Luton Crown Court on Monday, June 22, for attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH).

On Tuesday, July 30, Ward went to his partner’s home in Luton and began shouting in the street.

His victim let him into the house to try and calm him but he continued to be aggressive and argumentative, and threatened her with a hammer.

He then broke a coffee table and began beating her with one of the legs until she passed out.

In the early hours of Thursday, August 8, Ward returned to the woman's home and made verbal threats towards her.

This was overhead by concerned neighbours who called the police.

It was then that the victim disclosed the earlier attack.

Ward was arrested, and on searching his home, officers found a gym bag containing bloodstained clothing.

The investigation into the earlier incident began and detectives were able to obtain further witness statements, and forensic examination of the bloodstained clothes showed the blood was the victim’s.

Ward was charged in October with actual bodily harm (ABH) and making threats to kill, however, officers working on the case approached the court and asked for the charges to be reconsidered, on the strength of the supporting evidence.

The court agreed, and Ward was further arrested on the higher indictment of attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH), which he denied.

In March, Ward was found guilty by the jury at a trial lasting three days at Luton Crown Court.

DC Leila Dales said: “The intervention by neighbours means that Ward is now in prison and can no longer terrorise and hurt his victim.

“His attack put her in genuine fear for her life, but she was too afraid to report it, only revealing the extent of what he had done over a week later.

“Through detailed investigation, and the willingness of those who spoke up for his victim, we were able to piece together the further details and obtain an upgraded charge.

“Everyone has the right to live free from fear and without the threat of violence, and I’m pleased to say that his victim is now able to do that.

“Domestic abuse and violence, in any form is unacceptable, and we are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice. We are dedicated to providing support for victims, so that we can investigate, and put offenders like Ward behind bars.”