A cowardly boyfriend launched a vicious, humiliating attack on a nurse before trying to destroy her career.
David Hickman bit, punched and spat at his then partner, who he shoved through a glass shower partition and poured bleach over. He then ignored her pleas to be released and locked her in his flat overnight.
Hickman’s abuse took place on the night of the Euro 2020 final in which Italy beat England on penalties. He and his partner had been watching the game at the home of a friend before returning to his Wallasey flat part-way through the match on July 11, 2021.
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Gareth Roberts, prosecuting, said drunken Hickman called his victim a “fat s**g”. He added: “He grabbed her by the throat and he held her against the bedroom wall and spat in her face.”
His assault continued into the bathroom, where he pushed her through a glass shower curtain. Mr Roberts said: “The glass smashed, shattering all over the room and putting glass shards in her hands and feet. The defendant grabbed some bleach and poured it all over her head and face.”
In the bedroom he handled her again, placing his hand over her mouth while she tried to scream, before taking her keys and phone and locking her in the flat. He used a broom to jam the handle and continued to assault her throughout the night, twice biting her on the face.
She fled barefooted when Hickman fell asleep the following morning and the attack was reported to the police. Hickman went on the run for a fortnight but continued to message her, threatening to commit suicide if she supported a prosecution.
He even got an associate to ring the hospital she worked at to complain she carried out her role while under the influence of cocaine. The hospital looked into the report but quickly established it was a lie.
When Hickman was finally arrested he denied wrongdoing and fought the allegations at trial - forcing his victim to relive her experience as he claimed she was lying. He was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and false imprisonment.
Anna Duke, defending, said: “The defendant knows he does have a problem that he knows he needs to address.” Ms Duke said Hickman was aware that, had he not been under the influence of alcohol and drugs on the night of the attack, he may not be in the situation he finds himself in now.
Liverpool Crown Court heard Hickman had 21 convictions for 35 offences and was sentenced to four years in jail in 2018 over another attack.
The judge, Recorder Ian Harris, told the 33-year-old: “It is clear to me that you are a dangerous, violent and cowardly bully.” He said Hickman had a “propensity to behave cruelly” and classified him as dangerous in the eyes of the law.
Hickman, of Poulton Road, was sentenced to seven years in jail and handed a three year extended licence. This means he will serve at least two thirds of his prison sentence and, after his release, he will be under licensing conditions for the remainder of that seven years plus an additional three years.
Domestic abuse help and support
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. NHS advice says if you are at risk of domestic abuse or violence you can:
- Talk to your doctor, health visitor or midwife
- Women can call 0808 2000 247, the free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge
- Men can call the Men's Advice Line free on 0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or ManKind on 01823 334 244
- In an emergency, call 999
The Survivor's Handbook from Women's Aid is free and gives information on issues such as housing, money, helping children and legal rights.
Men can email info@mensadviceline.org.uk, which can refer you to places that can help, such as health services and voluntary organisations.
SWACA – Sefton Women's and Children's Aid offers free practical and emotional support to women, young people, and children suffering from domestic abuse. You can contact SWACA by phone on 0151 922 8606, by text on 07779745594 and by email at help@swaca.com
For forced marriage and "honour" crimes, contact Karma Nirvana (0800 5999 247) or The Forced Marriage Unit (020 7008 0151).
Merseyside-based charity Savera UK supports people at risk of 'honour'-based abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other harmful practices. You can call their national helpline on 0800 107 0726 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
Galop provides support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.
Anyone who needs confidential help with their own abusive behaviour can contact Respect on their free helpline on 0808 802 4040.
