A disturbing case was brought before Woolwich Crown Court, revealing the horrifying actions of Bobby Crawford, a 31-year-old former semi-pro footballer from Marbella, Spain. The court heard details of three violent and drug-fueled episodes from March to September 2023, during which Crawford assaulted his victim and engaged in a series of alarming actions.

Crawford was sentenced to five years and two months in prison for his brutal offences, including three counts of assault, disclosing private sexual photos, criminal damage, and cannabis possession. The court was told that Crawford had attacked his victim multiple times, causing severe physical and emotional harm.

In one instance on March 31, 2023, Crawford brutally assaulted the victim after an Instagram notification from another man appeared on her phone. Consumed by jealousy, he repeatedly smashed her head against the floor, pulling her hair during the attack. Later, Crawford accused her of hiding a man in her mattress, punching it, and ripping a hole in the top to search for the imaginary person. He also grabbed her throat and continued to assault her.

On a separate occasion in May, Crawford carried out his threat of revenge porn by sending explicit images of the victim to her friend. His actions were aimed at humiliating and controlling her.

In a disturbing episode on September 1, Crawford and the victim met at a Premier Inn in Bexleyheath. Suspecting another man was hiding in the room, Crawford assaulted the victim again. He lifted her by the vagina, causing injury and significant bleeding, and kicked her between the legs.

Ten days later, on September 11, the pair met once more at a hotel in Brands Hatch, this time with Crawford’s 18-month-old son present. Crawford’s paranoia escalated again, and he subjected the victim to another round of violence. He punched her several times, even though she was holding the child, and assaulted her in extremely degrading ways.

Throughout the ordeal, Crawford repeatedly accused the victim of cheating on him, threatened to send explicit videos to social services, and even aimed to send revenge porn to her father. Photos of the victim’s injuries, including facial bruising and neck marks, were presented in court as evidence of the brutality she endured.

When Crawford was arrested, he falsely claimed that the injuries resulted from “consensual rough sex.” However, he was charged and granted bail in April, which he subsequently violated to continue his abuse of the victim.

The court was also told that Crawford blamed the victim, alleging that she controlled him as much as he controlled her. His defence counsel, Craig Crosbie, referred to the case as involving “Drugs. Sex. Toxic.” Nevertheless, Judge Christopher Grout handed down a severe sentence, considering the aggravating factors of drug use, committing an assault in front of a child, and further offences while on bail.

In his ruling, Judge Grout sentenced Crawford to five years and two months in prison, with 38 months for the first assault, nine months concurrent for revenge porn, and 12 months consecutive for the other two assaults. He issued a restraining order to prevent Crawford from approaching the victim or her residence and refrain from any contact with her. Six other charges, including coercive and controlling behaviour, were left on file.

Detective Constable Marissa Harrison, who led the investigation, commended the victim’s bravery in coming forward. She hopes that this case will inspire other women to speak out against abusive and predatory individuals, encouraging them to seek justice and safety.

Crawford’s shocking actions have not only led to his incarceration but have also highlighted the importance of speaking up against domestic abuse and manipulation. The victim’s resilience and the court’s decision serve as a reminder that such behaviour will not be tolerated in society.