Newark boxer Connor ‘The Pitbull’ Meanwell sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court

A professional boxer who stalked and assaulted his former partner, leaving her with PTSD, has been handed a suspended sentence.

Connor Meanwell, 29, of Devon Road, Newark, pleaded not guilty to the offences against his former partner of 12 years at a previous hearing but was found guilty and sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court today (Wednesday).

The couple had what the victim described as a “good and healthy relationship” and that “for reasons that she cannot begin to comprehend, during lockdown things suddenly became really bad” as Meanwell always seemed angry.

In October 2021, Meanwell was said to have lost his temper and hurled an ashtray that hit the victim in the forehead, leaving her needing hospital treatment.

He said it was an accident, and she told doctors that she fell and banged her head on the fireplace.

Judge Michael Auty said: “The situation is made all the worse by the fact that this happened in her home, the very place where she should be able to feel safest.

“The reality is that anybody, but a woman in particular, is entitled to feel safe and to do what she needs to do and go about her business without fear of winding up injured in her own home.”

Barrister Tony Stamford told the court that the defendant apologised after that incident, and the relationship continued, but it was “marked by his continual paranoia and jealousy”.

Around May 2022, following accusations of infidelity and coercive behaviour, Meanwell moved in with his mother but continuously contacted the victim.

Between May and July 2022, Meanwell continuously called his ex-partner — once calling her 28 times — and sent her text messages which were considered deeply unpleasant and intrusive, and flowers.

There were reports from neighbours that he was seen in her garden during the night, and he texted her saying that he had seen her when she was out with friends in Newark or dropping the children at school.

He also put a spyware app on her phone without her knowledge so he could track her.

The victim said that his behaviour left her feeling “intimidated, scared, and panicked” and had to be referred to specialist services where she was diagnosed with PTSD.

In her personal statement, she said: “Now that I am out of this relationship, I can just see just how abusive Connor was, I’m still getting used to being free.”

Meanwell, who works full-time as a welder, still sees his children, but the arrangements are made either by his parents or by his former partner’s new partner.

When being sentenced, Judge Auty said that Meanwell had had quite a positive change in his life and his attitude.

He said: “The reality is that there are three children here and you seem to care for them, they have lives, they need a father if that is possible.”

Judge Auty said that he would take into consideration the welfare of the defendant’s three children with the victim, but “there needs to be an element of punishment”.

Meanwell was sentenced to 18-months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and will have to complete 150 hours of unpaid work for the benefit of the community, 25 hours of rehabilitation activity, and was handed a five year restraining order.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £900 and £1,200 compensation.

Judge Auty concluded: “Consider yourself to be extremely fortunate.

“Make sure that you don’t have to go to jail for anything like this again.”