Peterborough man jailed after assaulting partner following argument about housework

Andrew Murdoch, 55, phoned 999 at 7.30pm on 9 May confessing he had “hurt” his on-off girlfriend of more than five years at his home in Furze Ride.

Officers were immediately dispatched to the address, but Murdoch fled before they arrived and refused to tell call handlers where he had gone.

When the officers arrived they managed to climb into the property through an open window. They followed a trail of blood, leading to the victim, who had been hidden underneath a pile of blankets.

The woman, aged in her 50s, was found suffering from cuts and bruises and a laceration to one of her legs.

Whilst the victim was taken to hospital, Murdoch called 999 again to say that he had “punched, kicked and slapped” the victim and that he wanted to be arrested, before disclosing that he had gone to some nearby shops.

Officers attended and immediately arrested Murdoch, taking him into custody at Thorpe Wood Police Station.

In his police interview, Murdoch admitted the attack and breaching an existing restraining order which stipulated he must not be near the victim.

He told officers that on the day of the incident, he was doing chores around the house and became irritated that the victim was not helping.

He admitted “snapping” and beating the victim when she refused to assist or help him find his computer.

Murdoch admitted charges of assault causing grievous bodily harm and breaching a restraining order. He was jailed for 21 months at Peterborough Crown Court on Tuesday (30 June).

DC Andrew Donaldson said: “This was a vicious attack on an innocent woman, all because of some house chores.

“There is simply no excuse for Murdoch’s violent actions and I hope this time behind bars gives him a chance to reflect on his behaviour.

“Tackling domestic abuse is a priority and we will continue to do all that we can to ensure victims are safeguarded.”

We would strongly urge anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to contact police on 101 or call the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247. For more advice and support on domestic abuse, visit www.cambs.police.uk/domesticabuse.