Violent thug strangled his ex-partner, threatened to burn her house down and crashed her car... then told police he would infect them with coronavirus

Ryan Renshaw also told police he would spit on them and infect them with coronavirus when he was found hiding in a cupboard in his “drug den” flat

A violent thug almost strangled his ex-girlfriend unconscious before threatening to burn her house down and crashing her car.

Ryan Renshaw also told police he would spit on them and infect them with coronavirus when he was found hiding in a cupboard in his “drug den” flat. 

Bolton Crown Court heard how the 24-year-old had entered his ex-partner's house in Lowton without consent on two separate occasions. 

He gained entry to the property on November 19 last year where he took clothes from the washing machine and stole food and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s whisky. 

When the victim returned home from work, she found her security camera had gone and Renshaw inside the property. 

Philip Hall, prosecuting, said the victim tried to trap him inside but Renshaw took her car keys out of her pocket. 

He got into a red Peugeot car belonging to the victim’s mother and drove away – despite being uninsured and disqualified from driving. 

Following his arrest on November 25, he told officers he had been in an on/off relationship with the victim and had been staying at her property with consent.

The car was written off after it was recovered by officers 10 days later.

On March 12, 2020, the victim was having building work done at her house when the tradesmen left the property. 

She heard someone talking inside the house and turned around to see the Renshaw in the kitchen having entered the back door.

The victim told police he appeared as though he had taken drugs and accused her of sleeping with the workmen.

The court heard how Renshaw, of Derby Street, Warrington, barged past her and went upstairs where he started throwing items at her, including a candle which hit her shoulder. 

Renshaw, who has two children with the victim, then demanded her mobile phone and threatened her with violence. 

She attempted to escape through the back door but when she got there it had been locked. 

She then tried the front door but Renshaw locked it, trapping them both inside. He then slapped her across the face and strangled her. 

In a statement, the victim said she struggled to breathe and for a moment couldn't see, believing she had almost lost consciousness.

He lifted up her top, revealing her phone and car keys, which she had hidden in her bra. The court heard how the victim attempted to get up but Renshaw struck her across the face with his knee. 

He demanded her mobile phone passcode before getting into her Renault Clio, ordering her to get in with him. 

The victim sought refuge with a neighbour and called the police, with the whole incident lasting around 30 minutes. 

Renshaw returned to the house in the car on three occasions, repeatedly asking her to speak with him. 

He threw her mobile phone out of the car and threatened to burn her house down if she reported him to the police.

The car, worth around £6,500, was recovered by police days later having been crashed and abandoned. The victim said she needed the vehicle to drive her disabled daughter to and from hospital appointments. 

In a statement read out in court, she said she struggles to feel safe in her own home and is “genuinely terrified” Renshaw will hurt her or her children.

Tom Watson, defending, said Renshaw wants to move on with his life but in a way by which he “acknowledges his shame and remorse”. 

He revealed Renshaw had struggled with an addiction to crack cocaine, leading to his violent behaviour.

He said: “He knows that he behaved in a truly appalling and disgraceful way. 

“The victim in this case has every right to say how she feels in her victim statement. She has every right to bring up their children quietly and peacefully without him interfering with their lives, scarring them or frightening them or causing her any harm.” 

The court heard how Renshaw could not recollect the incidents that took place on March 12. 

He was charged with robbery, driving whilst disqualified and stalking on March 12, and burglary, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and taking a vehicle without consent on November 19. 

He was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison, disqualified from driving for two years and handed a restraining order.