Couple attacked Leeds love rival after smashing their way into her home
A couple who planned and carried out an attack on a love rival in her own home in front of her terrified children have avoided custody.
Shannon Murphy and Lee Williamson broke into the property on Upper Wortley to confront the woman.
They were both given suspended sentences at Leeds Crown Court this week.
The court heard that Murphy and Williamson had been in a relationship for around seven years, but during a break-up period, Williamson struck up a short relationship with the victim.
The court heard Murphy and Williamson later shared messages, calling the victim a “tramp” and discussed carrying out an attack, claiming she had made derogatory remarks.
On May 19, the woman was at her home in Upper Wortley with her friend and two children when the defendants turned up.
Murphy, 31, went to the window and made verbal threats to the victim inside, before she picked up a child’s scooter and hurled it through the window.
Williamson, 23, was then heard to say: “F*** this, we’re going in.”
They kicked the door as the terrified victim grabbed her two children and ran into a bedroom to hide.
She dialled 999 and Murphy could be heard making threats in the background.
Entering the property, Murphy kicked the bedroom door as the victim begged them to leave.
Murphy grabbed her and began punching her to the face. The children were heard to say: “Please don’t die.”
Williamson stopped the victim’s friend from entering the room as Murphy continued to attack her.
The ordeal lasted for around four minutes with the victim saying she was knocked unconscious at one point.
The defendants only left when they were told the police were on their way.
Both were later arrested, with Williamson refusing to answer questions, while Murphy did admit to punching the victim several times.
In an impact statement, the victim said she was now taking medication for her nerves, that she suffers from long-term depression and was a “shadow of her former self”.
Murphy, of Christ Church Mount, Armley, admitted ABH and criminal damage. She has five previous convictions for seven offences.
Mitigating, Shufqat Khan said that the victim and Murphy’s brief fling “may have festered”.
He conceded: “It was an appalling incident, not least that there were children present.”
Williamson, of Hill End Crescent, Armley, admitted ABH and burglary with an intent to cause criminal damage.
He has only one previous conviction.
Mitigating on his behalf, Emily Hassell said Williamson admitted ABH but on a basis that he never physically attacked the woman, but encouraged Murphy.
She said he was remorseful for what took place. She added that Williamson was a hard worker, having been in employment since he was 16.
Judge Tahir Khan KC said he was just persuaded to suspend their sentences, especially as it would harm their children.
He gave them both a 24-month sentence, suspended for 24 months - the maximum suspendible length with the maximum operational period.
Murphy was given 20 rehabilitation days to complete, and told to enrol on the Building Relationships programme.
Williamson was given 30 rehabilitation days and 250 hours of unpaid work.