Man admits attack on girlfriend was 'ferocious'

Sophie Conroy was attacked outside the Tesco Express store on Barnsley Road in Wakefield

A man has admitted kicking, punching and stamping on his girlfriend in what he described as "a ferocious attack", but has claimed he had no intention of killing her.

Benjamin Swindells, who is accused of trying to murder Sophie Conroy, told Leeds Crown Court he was "deeply ashamed" of his actions during the assault in Wakefield on 13 April.

He broke down in tears several times as he gave evidence in his defence on Wednesday.

Mr Swindells, 29, of no fixed abode, denies attempted murder but has pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent.

The court heard he initially denied attacking his partner of one year, claiming the couple had been set upon and robbed by two men near a Tesco Express store on Barnsley Road.

Mr Swindells said he changed his plea after listening back to a 999 call made by a witness, as well as the testimony of witnesses in his trial.

"I was in denial of the possibility or prospect that I would do that to a woman that trusted me, loved me and believed in me," he told the court.

Mr Swindells said he had been drinking 7.5% volume cider on the day of the attack and he and Ms Conroy had smoked crack cocaine prior to the assault.

He claimed his memory of the incident was "very fuzzy", adding: "It's almost non-existent and I don't know why."

'Ferocious attack'

Prosecution barrister Ian Mullarkey told Mr Swindells it "suits your purpose" to claim to have no memory of the incident.

He asked him: "If you are saying 'I can't remember what happened', why is it you fabricated a tale of what happened?

"You invented it, haven't you, to try and spare your own skin."

Jurors were told Mr Swindells kicked, punched and stamped on his partner before walking away and then returning to attack her again, with Mr Mullarkey telling the accused: "You did everything you could to try and kill her."

Mr Swindells said he "engaged in a ferocious attack, but I had no intention of killing her".

The defendant told jurors he had previously assaulted Ms Conroy and admitted he could be "vile" towards her, "particularly when under the influence".

In another incident, which took place in August 2023, a witness claimed she saw Mr Swindells grab Ms Conroy by her hair and throw her to the floor, then kick and punch her while she was on the ground.

Mr Swindells, who was convicted of battery against another former partner in 2019, said he disputed that version of events but did accept a "confrontation" took place.

He told the court he had "a problem with lashing out at people, not just partners", adding: "I'm seeking to get serious help with that".

The trial continues.

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