More women will die if domestic abusers leave prison early, victim’s parents warn

Builder Lee Hevingham, 41, from Longsight, Manchester, violently assaulted his ex-partner Charlotte Bridgeman, mother of their two children, after disregarding a restraining order issued by a court. The attack occurred during a confrontation at a local pub on November 15, 2025, leading to a violent escalation. According to prosecutors, Hevingham struck Bridgeman in the head with a mobile phone, punched her repeatedly, and attempted to choke her, leaving her severely injured and unconscious. Bridgeman was taken to hospital three days later, though she delayed seeking medical attention due to feelings of shame and concern for her children. The incident unfolded after a heated argument between the couple, during which Hevingham used derogatory language toward Bridgeman. Following the altercation, Hevingham damaged her vehicle by punching its windshield before pursuing her outside. Upon catching up, he slapped her, seized her phone, and smashed it into her forehead, causing visible injuries. Prosecutors detailed the sequence of events, emphasizing the severity of the assault and the emotional distress Bridgeman experienced. In a victim statement read in court, Bridgeman described the attack as a moment where she believed her life was ending. She recounted feeling terrified, stating that the experience had profoundly altered her sense of self and left lasting psychological scars. Bridgeman revealed that the abuse extended beyond the recent incident, describing a decade-long relationship marked by control and frequent physical aggression. The relationship concluded in 2021 with an acrimonious split, prompting the issuance of the restraining order. Despite the legal protections, Hevingham violated the order, demonstrating a pattern of disregard for judicial decisions. His criminal history includes multiple convictions for offenses such as battery, vandalism, and breach of protective measures. A 2023 conviction led to a 15-month prison sentence for an assault, underscoring his repeated engagement in violent behavior. Legal representatives for Hevingham acknowledged the volatile nature of his relationship with Bridgeman, noting mutual anger stemming from accusations of infidelity. However, the prosecution highlighted his entrenched pattern of violence, citing his history of abusing partners and family members. Judge Recorder Mark Rhind KC emphasized the gravity of these past actions, suggesting they indicated a dangerous propensity for harm. Separately, concerns have emerged regarding the early release of domestic abusers from prison, raising alarms among advocates and families affected by such cases. Michaela Hall, a 49-year-old charity worker from Cornwall, was murdered by her partner Lee Kendall in 2021, just two weeks after his release from prison. Kendall had previously been incarcerated for assaulting Hall, yet the Probation Service classified him as low-risk, despite evidence of severe threats and prior abuse. An inquest revealed that 34 pieces of intelligence had been gathered about Kendall’s conduct, yet he was released with minimal oversight. Hall’s parents, Anne and Peter, expressed deep frustration and fear, warning that allowing domestic abusers to return to society prematurely could lead to increased violence and fatalities. They criticized the Probition Service for inadequate resource allocation and high workload pressures, arguing that the system is ill-equipped to handle the influx of early releases. From October, the UK government plans to release 5,000 offenders early to alleviate prison overcrowding, a decision met with widespread opposition from advocacy groups. Farah Nazeer, CEO of Women’s Aid, condemned the policy, asserting that it undermines efforts to reduce gender-based violence. She argued that early release without adequate rehabilitation risks placing vulnerable individuals in danger, particularly women and children. Nazeer noted that current support systems are overwhelmed, with many refuges unable to accommodate additional victims due to insufficient funding. The government has allocated £10 million for victim support initiatives, but critics maintain this amount falls far short of addressing systemic gaps. The Hall family has initiated a legal challenge under the Human Rights Act, targeting the Probation Service and police for their handling of Hall’s case. They allege negligence and failure to act on credible warnings, highlighting the broader implications of institutional shortcomings in safeguarding victims. As the debate over early release continues, the tragic outcomes of cases like Hall’s and Bridgeman’s underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform in how domestic abuse perpetrators are managed post-sentence.