An Isle of Wight man, described as a ‘danger’ to the public, has been jailed for 27 months after a drug-fuelled persistent attack on his ex-partner.

Edward Mathias Lale, of no fixed abode, attended the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, July 2.

The 31-year-old previously admitted causing assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm, assault by beating and two counts of criminal damage. 

Edward Mathias LaleEdward Mathias Lale (Image: Hampshire and IW Constabulary)

Tim Devlin, prosecuting, said that on December 19, 2023, Lale – who was homeless at the time – was at his ex-partner’s home taking drugs when he accused her of stealing some of his supply.

Mr Devlin told the court Lale pushed her to the ground outside the property, held her down and punched her in the face, breaking her nose.

Court heard that a neighbour attempted to intervene, and Lale assaulted her.
Lale also smashed his ex-partner’s iPad and TV worth £1,000 and broke a window inside her home, said Mr Devlin.

Jim Osborne, defending, said his client, who “did not have the best start in life,” pleaded guilty to all the offences on the day of his trial (May 21).

Mr Osborne admitted that his client had taken a ‘copious’ amount of drugs on the night of the incident but insisted he punched his ex-partner “only once.”

Lale has been in custody at HMP Winchester since December 20 last year, living in conditions described as “squalid” by Mr Osborne. 

“He realises now he does not want to live life like this, and he wants to sort his life out,” Mr Osborne told the court.

“He deeply regrets his behaviour and is determined to address his offending behaviour, both for himself and his children. He wants to be a father his children can respect.”

Judge David Melville described the criminal damage incidents as a “revenge attack” and told Lale he “persistently assaulted” his victim, describing it as “appalling behaviour.”

Judge Melville said: “You’re a danger. You present a very real risk to the public and a very substantial risk of committing further offences.”

Lale was jailed for 27 months for the GBH, with a 16-month and one-month concurrent sentence for ABH and assault by beating.

The judge made no separate penalty for the criminal damage offences. 

Lale has also been made subject to a five-year restraining order against his victims.