January 12th 2024.
On a Friday at Manchester Crown Court, 28-year-old James Riley received a 16-year sentence for attacking his former girlfriend. It was a horrific act that was motivated by jealousy and anger, leaving his ex-partner, PhD student Ellie Moxham, unconscious on the floor of their hotel room while he called for an ambulance.
Thankfully, emergency services arrived and rushed Ms. Moxham to the hospital, where she was placed in an induced coma before regaining consciousness the next day. Riley, who was off-duty at the time, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and has since been dismissed from his post with Lancashire Constabulary.
During the trial, it was revealed that Riley and Ms. Moxham had been in a relationship for several years, even buying a house together in 2021. However, their relationship had come to an unhappy end by the time of the attack. Judge Patrick Field KC noted that the couple had plans to attend a concert in Manchester on the night of the attack, but it was clear that Ms. Moxham had no intention of reconciling with Riley. She was actually trying to start a new relationship with someone else.
Unfortunately, this news sent Riley into a fit of uncontrollable anger and jealousy, leading him to strangle Ms. Moxham with such force that she was deprived of oxygen. The extent of her injuries has left her with cognitive difficulties, including fatigue, trouble concentrating, and frequent headaches.
Ms. Moxham, who has no memory of the attack, read her victim statement during the sentencing. She shared that she often has nightmares about being attacked and struggles with anxiety and overthinking. She also expressed her disappointment in Riley's lack of remorse and his attempt to drag out the trial by initially pleading not guilty.
In her statement, Ms. Moxham also revealed the manipulation and emotional abuse she experienced during their relationship. She described how Riley would belittle her and make her feel worthless, ultimately alienating her from herself. She also mentioned the added betrayal of his position as a police officer, someone she had trusted not to harm her.
David James, Riley's lawyer, acknowledged the severity of his client's actions and the damage it has caused. He shared that Riley is remorseful and is seeking help to address the issues that led to the attack. In addition to his prison sentence, Riley is also under a restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting Ms. Moxham or being within 50 meters of her.
In conclusion, the judge recognized that although the attack was not premeditated, it was a brutal and determined attempt to kill Ms. Moxham. The hope is that this sentencing will bring closure to Ms. Moxham and allow her to move on from this traumatic experience.
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