'The man who left me drinking through a straw'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A thug left his ex-girlfriend battered at the bottom of the stairs, with her bedroom walls and ceiling splattered with blood.Joshua Benali's victim was left with a missing tooth and broken bones after enduring a brutal attack in her own home following a surprise birthday party.

He eventually turned himself in to the police after being urged to do so by his mum. Liverpool Crown Court heard the 33 year old had been in a relationship with the woman for around two years, but had separated a year before March 9 this year.

That evening, both attended the same party before she returned home with a friend and two of Benali's friends - who had reportedly not been invited.

Michael O'Brien, prosecuting, said how they eventually left and the woman went to the bathroom. However, when she opened the door after using the facilities, she found her ex-partner standing on the other side. READ MORE: One was the 'poor relation', the other 'up and coming'...