Courage Ekhator, a 33-year-old man previously residing on Etfield Road in Sidcup, found himself in tears as he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison for a series of violent offences against his girlfriend.
At his sentencing hearing at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday (April 22), Ekhator sobbed and cried out “I cannot do it” as the judge handed down the sentence, highlighting the severity of his actions.
The court heard how Ekhator had subjected his then-girlfriend to a horrifying ordeal, which included physical assault, threats of rape, and intimidation.
According to Judge Ben Gumpert KC, the incident occurred during the summer of 2022 when Ekhator and his partner were under the influence of alcohol. An argument ensued, during which Ekhator repeatedly punched the victim, leaving her with visible injuries and bruises across her body.
Even more alarming was Ekhator’s attempt to prevent his girlfriend from seeking help by holding a knife, a terrifying act of intimidation that underscored the seriousness of the situation.
Disturbingly, this was not an isolated incident. Just days prior, Ekhator had assaulted the same woman, causing injuries to her elbow by tripping her up. Subsequently, he made menacing phone calls, threatening to kill her with a knife and, on another occasion, threatening to rape her mother and set her caravan on fire.
Despite claiming to feel “incredibly embarrassed and sorry” for his behaviour, Ekhator attempted to downplay his actions by falsely alleging that his girlfriend had attacked him first. However, he later conceded to the prosecution’s case, acknowledging that she had not initiated any violence.
In light of the compelling evidence against Ekhator and the gravity of his offences, Judge Gumpert sentenced him to 26 months in prison, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.
As Ekhator was escorted to the court cells, his emotional outburst underscored the realization of the consequences of his actions, serving as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of domestic abuse on victims and their families.
