A WIRRAL man has been jailed for more than two years after assaulting and threatening to kill a woman. 

Ryan Albert Fitzgibbons appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Wednesday, February 7). He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and issued with a 10-year restraining order.

The court heard that in August last year, Fitzgibbons’ victim disclosed to police that she had been threatened and subjected to assault.

Fitzgibbons, 36, of Millersdale Close in Eastham, pleaded guilty to threats to kill at pre-trial hearing last year. 

However, a jury also found him guilty of actual bodily harm at a trial last Friday (February 2).

In a statement read out in court today, the victim said: "The physical and emotional pain I have endured has left a lasting impact on my life, and I continue to struggle with the lasting trauma inflicted upon me.

"His actions have caused me immense suffering. I have been forced to live in fear and anxiety that comes with being a victim of violence, and my sense of safety and security has been shattered.

"I have struggled to trust others and open up about the experience which has created a sense of isolation and loneliness."

Detective Inspector Dave Sung added: "I would like to praise the courage and dignity shown by the victim throughout the investigation, which has been very distressing experience for her.

"I would like to take the opportunity to remind women that they can make an online application under Clare’s Law to check for information on your partner if you are worried if they have a history of abuse and are a risk to you.

"Violence against women and girls will simply not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.

"While no sentence will repair the damage that Fitzgibbons’ abuse has caused, I hope today’s sentencing will not only provide his victim with justice, but also encourage other victims to come forward and have the confidence in us as a police force to take reports seriously, and ensure offenders are put before the courts so that they can pay for their crimes.

"We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice and can pay for their crimes."

Under Clare’s Law, you can request information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/alpha2/request-information-under-clares-law/

Anyone with information or wants to report a crime is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained police officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.