A SICK thug who forced dog faeces into his girlfriend’s mouth, put a plastic bag over her head and threatened to kill her has been caged.
Throughout their relationship, which began in October 2024, shortly after he was released from jail, Steven Farrell inflicted a campaign of abuse.
Described as “pathologically jealous,” the 50-year-old would regularly take cocaine and subject his girlfriend to physical harm during which he would gag her to stop her from screaming.
Preston Crown Court heard how Farrell moved into the victim’s home in Rossendale, Lancashire within months of meeting her.
The brute used a variety of tactics to control her, insisting on escorting her to and from work and regularly confiscating and smashing her mobile.
He even used her phone to respond to her worried friends, the court heard.
Farrell, of Mintridge Close, Manchester, accused his girlfriend of cheating on him in a cocaine-fuelled tirade.
He placed a plastic bag over his girlfriend’s head and threatened her: “I’ll kill you next time.”
Just half an hour later, the vile bully began strangling her dog with its lead.
The following morning at around 1am, the woman kicked Farrell out after he dragged her out of bed and threw a hairdryer at her.
He let himself back into the house at 6am with a spare key, and neighbours reported screaming coming from inside.
When officers arrived, Farrell warned his girlfriend “you’d better say nowt” and she told them the couple had just had a verbal disagreement.
The court heard how Farrell called his girlfriend’s workplace the next day to inform them she had overslept, although he had purposely turned off her alarm.
Following this, Farrell held a knife up to her throat and attacked her, causing bruising to her breasts, arm and legs.
The vile thug also forced a full dog poo bag into her mouth, which split and spilt faeces into her mouth.
A concerned friend of the woman arrived later that day, and called the police.
The victim told officers it was “just arguments” but her worried friend signalled that Farrell was still at the property.
Officers arrested Farrell as he tried to run away, attempting to escape through the garden.
The brave victim told the court how the abuse left her “covered in bruises” and scared for her life.
She added: “This will have an emotional impact for the rest of my life.”
Now suffering from PTSD, she told the court that she struggles to sleep, with flashbacks of the abuse.
Farrell pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, suffocation and actual bodily harm.
He was sentenced to three years and five months in prison with a year’s extended licence period to protect the public.
Recorder Michelle Brown noted that Farrell was a dangerous offender.
Sentencing, she said: “Your offending was designed to belittle and humiliate her, and instil fear. The ABH was prolonged.
“You used a knife to threaten her, punched and kicked her and attempted to force faeces down her throat.”
Domestic abuse – how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
- Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
- Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
- Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
- Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
