Darrell McArdle, a resident of Swanley, has been sentenced to prison for a series of domestic abuse offences, including the strangulation and assault of two women.

McArdle’s relationships with both victims turned into nightmares characterized by physical and psychological abuse, with McArdle exerting control over every aspect of their lives. He imposed strict rules, forbidding them from interacting with other men or seeing their friends, and resorted to violence if his demands were not met.

One victim, whom McArdle began seeing in February 2020, endured escalating abuse over several months, including beatings, social isolation, and threats against her family. In one horrific incident in June 2021, McArdle punched her repeatedly, even going so far as to forcibly remove a tooth from her mouth.

The second victim faced a similar ordeal on 21 November 2023, when McArdle broke into her Maidstone home and subjected her to physical assault and strangulation.

McArdle, 24, was arrested as part of an investigation led by the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team. Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to charges of controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

On Monday 29 April 2024, McArdle was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and issued with a five-year restraining order pertaining to one of the victims.

Detective Constable Joe Yandle, commenting on the case, condemned McArdle’s actions as those of a “violent bully and coward.” He commended the bravery of the victims for coming forward and emphasized that support and assistance are available for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Yandle urged anyone facing abuse to seek help, emphasizing that they are not to blame for their situation and that dedicated teams are working tirelessly to address and prevent such crimes.