Former British boxing champion John Murray, who retired in 2014, has been jailed after attacking two women with one coming after a row broke out over a drive being blocked
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| John Murray is now behind bars after the attacks on two women (Image: Manchester Evening News) |
A former British and European lightweight champion has been jailed over attacking his ex-partner and punching another woman after he blocked her drive.
John Murray, 41, originally from Levenshulme, Manchester, enjoyed a successful career in the sport before being forced to retire due to injury in 2014.
During his career, he took on stars such as Anthony Crolla, and fought on the undercard at the Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather world title clash in Las Vegas in 2007.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard how the former British and European lightweight champion was now working as a delivery driver in 2023, when the attack on one women occurred.
On January 20, Murray launched an unprovoked attack on a woman after a row broke out after he was accused of blocking her drive.
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| John Murray is a former British and European lightweight champion (Image: Supplied) |
The victim had her two children in the back of her car when she was punched in the face after she challenged Murray and another woman, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Prosecutor Eleanor Myers said. "Her children were screaming 'get off my mum' as her partner came to help."
Murray then punched the woman again before driving off and reportedly hitting her car as he left, the court heard.
The woman was left with a broken nose and in a victim statement said said: "This changed me as a person, I do not feel like I am the same person I was. I cannot leave the house on my own any more."
Ms Myers told the court the second incident occurred on July 15, 2023, after he split with his former partner.
Murray reportedly went to her home to discuss a family issue and the victim was woken by banging at her door. This caused her to look through the window but she did not see anything.
The prosecutor said: "She didn't see anything outside that could have caused the banging, so turned her back. As she did, the defendant was coming in through the window.
"She ran from the room and he followed her to the bedroom. He walked up to her and strangled her with both of his hands around her neck. He held onto her for 45 seconds."
The court heard how the woman shouted at him and pleading for him to let go. But Murray grabbed her hair and repeatedly punched her in the head.
She ran downstairs and was followed by Murray. He then threw her on the sofa and jumped on top of her, before biting her breast.
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| Murray was working as a delivery driver at the time of once incident (Image: Manchester Evening News) |
The woman attempted to calm him down, before punching her again and kicking in the stomach.
"She was gasping for air and begging him to stop," Ms Myers added.
After the attack, Murray said: "Look what you made me do - look at your neck." The woman ran outside as he shouted: "Get here you s**g."
A passer-by stepped in as Murray threw two unsuccessful punches at him. The woman suffered bruising to her breast, neck and face; and a cut to the back of her ear.
In a victim statement, she said: "This incident has really shocked me. I never expected him to be so horrible in my life, and I hope I don't have to again. I don't feel safe in my own home."
Murray, of Lichfield Walk, Romiley, earlier pleaded guilty to strangulation; assault occasioning actual bodily harm; and assault by beating. He was jailed for three years and banned from contacting his ex-partner for seven years under the terms of a restraining order.
- Simon Hamalienko & Amy Walker
