A MAN who ‘poses a high risk of serious harm to women’ has been jailed for two years for twice attacking a former partner in the space of three days. 

Ashley Broadbent, 33, was reported to the police for dragging the woman along outside his address on Tyersal Road in Bradford on June 2. 

Three days later, he punched her unconscious while driving dangerously in the Holme Wood and Sticker Lane area in a car he had taken from his mother without permission, Bradford Crown Court heard. 

Broadbent was sentenced on a video link to HMP Leeds after pleading guilty to assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, aggravated vehicle taking with dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen, and driving unlicensed and uninsured. 

Ian Howard, prosecuting, said the woman had an injury to her cheek after the first incident of violence.  

She was treated in hospital for injuries including bruising and lumps in the second attack on June 5. The court heard that Broadbent took his mother’s car without consent and shouted at the victim to get into it.  

When she did, he drove off punching her as he went along. She was fearful for her life and rendered unconscious, Mr Howard said. 

At one stage, she was pleading with him to stop the vehicle. When he did, he made off on foot. 

Broadbent had previous convictions for aggravated vehicle taking, battery, dwelling house burglary, obstructing the police, criminal damage, possession of heroin and assaulting a police constable. 

Allan Armbrister said in mitigation that he had a troubled past and had not behaved well with women. He wanted to improve but he would have to show a lot more commitment to that.  

He conceded that the offending was aggravated by Broadbent’s record. 

He had been in custody on remand for about three months. 

Recorder Tahir Khan KC said Broadbent had a bad record generally, and also in relation to violence. His probation officer said he represented a high risk of serious harm to women. 

He was bailed for the assault on June 2 and three days later, a more serious offence was committed against the same woman. 

He took his mother’s car and assaulted the victim in it while driving dangerously with no licence or insurance. He then failed to provide a roadside breath test. 

Broadbent was banned from driving for 21 months and until he passes an extended test.