A woman hid inside a domestic appliance to get away from a partner who subjected her to prolonged psychological and physical abuse, police reported.

Joshua Maguire, who lived on Dobson Road in Langley Green, Crawley, was handed a four-year jail term and two restraining orders after the abuse occurred.

The court heard that on October 14, 2025, a woman aged around 31 departed from Maguire’s residence in Crawley, who was 29 years old, after his conduct became increasingly violent during her time there.

The complainant ran from the property and came across an unused refrigerator by the roadside, getting inside while attempting to contact a friend for help.

Police said Maguire had previously shown patterns of violent, controlling and psychologically harmful behaviour. This persisted when, on October 15, 2025, he messaged the complainant promising to ruin her flat.

Investigators found the property had sustained severe damage, had been flooded, and many of the victim’s possessions had been destroyed.

Maguire sent the complainant video footage and photographs of himself carrying out the destruction alongside further threats of serious physical violence.

That next evening, as the complainant was heading back to the accommodation where she was staying with a companion, Maguire emerged from concealment in a neighbouring garden.

He then attacked the complainant, hitting her with his fists and causing her to fall before kicking her repeatedly. The complainant’s companion was also hurt while trying to help.

On October 20, Maguire was arrested and charged with several offences.

The following day, he appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court facing charges of burglary with intent to cause criminal damage, assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and sending threatening communications.

After being released on bail with a condition preventing contact with the complainant, he breached this almost immediately and was rearrested that same day.

On October 22, Maguire appeared once more at Crawley Magistrates’ Court and was held in custody.

Almost two months afterwards on December 17, the case began at Worthing Magistrates’ Court. One count concerning injuries to the companion was dropped due to insufficient evidence.

On January 5, the jury found Maguire guilty on all remaining charges.

Joshua Maguire was sentenced to four years in prison

He remained in custody until his sentencing hearing on March 18, when he was jailed for four years with two restraining orders banning contact with the complainant or her companion.

The officer in the case, Detective Constable Connor Farrell, said that during October, Maguire subjected the complainant to continuous torment involving verbal and physical abuse. She showed considerable courage in seeking help despite fears about retaliation.

Despite the overwhelmingly strong evidence against him, Maguire maintained his denial and entered not guilty pleas, yet the jury rejected his version of events.

Those who commit such offences can be stopped, and officers continue to be dedicated to supporting complainants. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please know that help is available and you will be heard.