In July 2022, Tommy Ward, aged 23 from Hull Road in Hedon, East Yorkshire, carried out a horrific and near-fatal attack on a vulnerable young woman, subjecting her to significant facial injuries and attempting to suffocate her. The assault, described by Humberside Police as brutal and life-threatening, occurred in a domestic context where the victim was unaware of Ward's prior conviction as a sex offender.
Ward had been cautioned in October 2021 for possession of an indecent image of a child, leading to his placement on the sex offender's register with a two-year registration period. Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, he was prohibited from having contact with children, a condition he blatantly disregarded. The victim had young children who could have been put at risk due to Ward's deception of those around him, including his monitoring authorities.
Following the attack, Ward fled the scene and destroyed his mobile phones in an effort to eliminate evidence. However, sufficient other evidence led to his arrest, charging, and remand. In March 2023, at an earlier court appearance, Ward pleaded guilty to multiple charges: breach of notification under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, criminal damage, assault by beating, non-fatal suffocation, theft, sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress, and witness intimidation.
On 1 July 2023, Ward was sentenced to three years' imprisonment at Hull Crown Court. Detective Constable Daniel Radford, the Officer in the Case from Humberside Police, stated: 'Ward was placed on the sex offender’s register and was required to be registered for two years after he was cautioned for possession of an indecent image of a child in October 2021. He blatantly disregarded his requirements and breached his conditions under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 as a convicted sex offender, to have no contact with children.' Radford further highlighted the victim's courage, noting: 'His truly appalling attack on a vulnerable young woman was shocking, she was extremely lucky to have escaped with her life.'
The case underscores the dangers posed by non-compliance with sex offender conditions and the severe consequences of violent domestic abuse. Humberside Police emphasised the importance of reporting such incidents, crediting the victim's bravery for preventing potential future harm.