Crawley man jailed after subjecting woman to serious abuse

In March, a man was jailed after leaving a woman battered, bruised, and in fear of further harm.

On 14 October, 2025, a woman in her early 30s had fled the Crawley address of 29-year-old Joshua Maguire, after he became increasingly abusive during her visit.

The victim ran from the property and discovered a fridge that had been left on the street. She hid inside it while making desperate attempts to contact a friend who could collect her and take her to a place of safety.

Maguire had already exhibited patterns of violent, possessive and psychologically abusive behaviour. This continued, when on 15 October, 2025, he contacted the victim telling her he was going to 'trash' her flat.

(Maguire, after he had just slashed a canvas in the property)


(A photo Maguire sent after slashing the sofa)


(A further photo sent after Maguire had thrown paint on the walls)

The property was found to have been damaged extensively, flooded, and many of the victim’s possessions had also been broken. Maguire sent the victim videos and photos of himself causing the damage and further threatened to seriously harm her.

(Just some of the messages sent to the victim)

The following evening, the victim was returning to a property she was staying at with a friend. As they approached the door, Maguire appeared and had been hiding in a neighbouring garden.

He began to assault the victim, punching her and knocking her to the floor, before repeatedly kicking her. The friend of the victim also reported being injured during the attack as she attempted to intervene.

Police tracked down Maguire and arrested him on 20 October. He was charged the same day with a series of offences.

The next day, Maguire, of Dobson Road in Langley Green, Crawley, appeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court to answer charges of burglary with intent to cause damage, assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and sending communications threatening death or serious harm.

After being bailed from court with a condition not to contact the victim, he breached it almost immediately and was back in cuffs the same day.

On 22 October, Maguire reappeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody.

Just under two months later on 17 December, Maguire's trial began at Worthing Magistrates' Court. One charge, which was linked to the injuries caused to the friend, was dropped due to insufficient evidence.

On 5 January, the jury found Maguire guilty of all other charges.

He was remanded until his sentencing on 18 March, where he was jailed for four years and given two restraining orders, preventing him from contacting the victim, or her friend.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Constable Connor Farrell, said,
"In October, Maguire subjected the victim to sustained torment, including verbal and physical abuse. She showed great courage in seeking help, despite fearing the consequences.

"Although the evidence against him was clearly compelling, Maguire continued to deny the offences and pleaded not guilty throughout, but the jury did not buy it.

"Offenders like this can be stopped, and we are always here to help you. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please know that support is available and you will be listened to."

If you have anything to report, call 101. In an emergency situation, always dial 999.
For further advice and support, you can follow this link.