A harrowing incident unfolded when a Virgin Media employee visited a residence and discovered a woman with a broken neck following a vicious attack by Darren Melling, who subjected his partner to two brutal assaults. These assaults have left experts concerned about the risk of paralysis.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the 35-year-old resident of St Helens had an “on and off” relationship with his victim that began in 2021. On April 20, 2022, an argument erupted between the two at her home, leading to a terrifying sequence of events.

According to reports from the Liverpool Echo, Melling initially slapped his partner and violently pulled her hair, resulting in clumps of hair being torn out. He proceeded to throw a plastic cup at her face, causing a bloody lip. He then threw her to the floor and subjected her to a sustained attack, involving punches, kicks to the head, biting, and striking with a mop. This brutal assault continued for approximately 40 minutes before it was interrupted when Melling received a phone call. Seizing the opportunity, the victim escaped and sought refuge in a nearby pharmacy, where she arrived “bloody, hysterical, and crying.”

Workers at the pharmacy promptly closed its doors and contacted the police. Melling was subsequently arrested at his parents’ residence. During his interview with the authorities, he remained silent but was later charged and brought to court. Despite being released on bail with orders not to contact the victim, the couple’s relationship was rekindled.

Tragically, Melling subjected his partner to another savage attack in the early hours of July 8, 2022, just weeks before his scheduled trial for the initial incident. This second assault occurred when he returned home after taking her dog for a walk at around 6 a.m., only to find himself locked out. Accusing her of deliberately locking him out while she was asleep, Melling flew into a rage. He forcefully grabbed her throat, causing her breathing difficulties.

The vicious attack continued with Melling biting both of her ears, stamping on the back of her neck as she fell to the floor, and subjecting her to punches and kicks to the body and legs. He also dragged her around the living room before concluding the ordeal by slamming her head into the wall. Afterward, Melling left the apartment, and the victim returned to bed.

The following morning, a Virgin Media engineer arrived at the residence to install broadband and discovered the victim’s injuries. Concerned for her well-being, the engineer immediately called for an ambulance and stayed with her until her parents arrived. Medical examinations revealed that the victim had suffered a broken jaw, broken ribs, and a fractured vertebra at the base of her neck. Shockingly, it was later revealed that she was one week pregnant at the time, a fact unknown to both her and Melling.

Melling, who had prior convictions for offences including drink driving, possession of class B drugs, possession of a bladed article in a public place, motoring offences, and perverting the course of justice, expressed his desire to seek employment as a plasterer upon release. He also acknowledged his struggles with alcohol and drug issues, stating that he accepts his guilt and experiences remorse.

Isabella Denn-White, Melling’s defence attorney, conveyed his remorse and his aspirations to be a positive father figure in the future. She also highlighted his mental health difficulties and previous suicide attempts. Melling pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, he was sentenced to 53 months in prison and handed a five-year restraining order.

Judge David Swinnerton admonished Melling, emphasising the gravity of his actions and the severe consequences they had for the victim. He sternly remarked, “You have committed two serious offences of violence against your then partner, both very deeply unpleasant attacks against her in her own home. As you rightly recognize, you are in a serious position.” The judge noted that Melling had not seen photographs of the victim’s injuries and expressed his strong disapproval, stating, “You should be completely ashamed of what you have done.” Melling replied, “I am,” to which Judge Swinnerton added, “You risked, by stamping on the back of the neck of someone who was prone, very serious injury, including paralysis. You did nothing to help her, and she was helped eventually because someone from Virgin Media attended the house and could see the state she was in. You thoroughly broke her trust by the vicious assaults that you carried out.”