Richard Towers Sentenced for Domestic Abuse
Richard Towers, a former professional heavyweight boxer known off the ring as Richard Hayles, has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for a series of emotionally abusive behaviors directed at his ex-partner. The 46-year-old, who accumulated a career record of 15-1 with his lone defeat coming at the hands of Lucas Browne, transitioned into coaching after his boxing career. However, Towers’ life took a severe turn when he pleaded guilty to charges related to his abusive actions at Sheffield Crown Court during the second day of his trial.
Details of the Abuse
The ordeal faced by his former partner was starkly detailed in court, with the victim recounting how Towers subjected her to a relentless abusive campaign. She revealed that his threats escalated alarmingly, including a horrifying instance where he threatened to shoot her child.
“You controlled every aspect of my life, even the tiniest things, and made me believe that’s just how a woman should be,”
she told the court. She further explained the devastating consequences of his actions, stating,
“We lost our home. You took hold of my mind and voice, but worst of all, you took away my children’s happiness and peace.”
The victim expressed doubt about Towers feeling any guilt for his misconduct, labeling him a “monster” for masquerading as a loving partner while harming her in private. The prosecution, represented by Katherine White, brought to light the severe nature of Towers’ intimidation tactics, which extended beyond his partner to her children. In a chilling account, one child revealed that Towers forced them to listen to provocative content from Andrew Tate and threatened to shoot them if they defended their mother. The child also mentioned that they and their mother created a secret code to communicate during Towers’ outbursts of rage.
Sentencing and Impact
While Towers was sentenced to three years and three months in custody, the victim highlighted that domestic abuse often manifests in forms that leave no visible scars.
“Domestic violence does not always appear as cuts and bruises… It can mean losing your sense of self and self-worth, leaving a dead look in your eyes, and stripping you of your will to go about your day,”
she declared. In closing, she expressed relief, stating,
“We’ve got our peace back now and our future looks bright again.”
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC issued the sentence, which included a restraining order lasting ten years, remarking on the seriousness of Towers’ actions and his ‘twisted views on masculinity.’ Notably, Towers was already under a suspended sentence for firearm offenses at the time he committed these abuses, further tarnishing his legacy in the boxing world.
Context in the Boxing Community
This conviction comes in a turbulent week for the British boxing community, which has also seen trainer Stefy Bull and former world champion Billy Joe Saunders convicted of separate offenses.
Phil Jay, a seasoned boxing journalist with over 15 years in the field and current Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News, continues to closely follow developments within the sport, having covered many significant boxing events and interviewed numerous champions worldwide.
