Convicted murderer from Bilston jailed after beating up partner

Charles Rickards was jailed for life in March 1995 after killing 35-year-old John Bennett who was hit with a table leg and stamped on the head at the Merry Boys pub in Willenhall Road, East Park, Wolverhampton, a judge was told.

He was released on licence in 2004 and built up a successful business as a design engineer, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

Then his partner was left battered and bruised after a night out with him in May, said Mr Oliver Woolhouse, prosecuting.

The Parole Board must now rule on whether Rickards can be released again.

The couple were not 'significantly under the influence' when they left the Beacon Hotel in Sedgley and went their separate ways, the court heard.

But 60-year-old Rickards later went to her home believing she had taken his car and house keys only to find the heavy front door locked.

He used a piece of concrete to break it open after getting no answer, not realising she was about to open it.

"It flew back at speed, striking the complainant on the head," continued Mr Woolhouse who said she was then struck twice and pushed against a wall.

Rickards told the court: "I couldn't get her to answer the door or the phone and gave the door a push.

"It hit her whole body and the side of her face. She was knocked back, hitting the balustrade, wall and stairs. I had no intention to hurt her.

"I lost control when I got in the house and was waving my arms about. I cannot properly explain why I did this."

His 52-year-old partner suffered extensive bruising to her body and arms as well as receiving a cut to the back of the head and a black eye, the court was told.

Mr David Hislop QC, defending, said: "Since his incarceration following the incident, the business he built up is failing."

Rickards from Darkhouse Lane, admitted assault and was sent to prison for 18 months by Judge Mark Eades who told him: "The catalyst behind this was a loss of temper. You have a problem with self control in certain circumstances.

"You forced your way into the house, knocking your partner to the ground but thereafter lashed out. She was beaten up in a sustained attack with fists that caused multiple injuries."

Rickards is on a lifetime licence from prison and so can only be freed from his latest sentence by the Parole Board. The judge concluded: "Whether you are released is a matter for the authorities."