Key Points
- Stephen Ludlum, 47, of Beatrice Mews, Horwich, appeared at Bolton Crown Court over a July 2024 domestic abuse case involving his former partner and her children.
- The court heard he became angry after seeing a text message ending with two kisses and the victim’s reply also containing two kisses.
- Prosecutors said Ludlum threw his former partner down the stairs, causing her to hit her face on the wall, before continuing the attack outside the house.
- The victim’s children tried to intervene, and Ludlum allegedly threw a can of beer at the eldest child’s head and grabbed the youngest child by the throat.
- A neighbour stepped in and called police, ending the incident.
- The victim suffered a broken tooth and significant facial bruising, while the eldest child was left with scarring.
- Ludlum was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment, suspended for three years, and given two one-month sentences for assaulting the children, to run concurrently.
- He was also made subject to a two-year restraining order and ordered to pay £705 in fees at £60 a month.
Bolton (Bolton Today) July 8, 2026 - Bolton Crown Court heard that Stephen Ludlum launched a violent attack on his former partner and her children after becoming angry over a text message, with the judge later handing him a suspended prison sentence and restraining order.
What did the court hear?
As reported by the staff at The Bolton News, Ludlum’s anger was triggered when he saw that his former partner had received a message from the father of one of her son’s friends, and the text ended with two kisses. The victim replied with two kisses of her own, and that, the court heard, sparked an argument that escalated into violence.
According to the report, Ludlum then assaulted the woman and threw her down the stairs, leaving her with facial injuries after she struck the wall. The publication said she ended up curled up in a ball outside the front of the house before Ludlum continued the assault.
How were the children involved?
The children stepped in when they saw what was happening, but the court heard that Ludlum responded aggressively. He allegedly threw a can of beer at the eldest child’s head and grabbed the youngest child by the throat.
The report stated that the incident only stopped when a neighbour intervened and called police. The victim’s eldest child was left with scarring, while the woman suffered a broken tooth and serious bruising to her face.
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What sentence was handed down?
The judge imposed a 30-month sentence, suspended for three years, for the assault on the former partner. Ludlum also received two one-month sentences for assaulting the children, to run concurrently.
In addition, Ms Hudson imposed a restraining order preventing him from contacting or seeing the victim for two years, with a potential five-year penalty if he breaches it. He was also ordered to pay £705, at a rate of £60 per month.
Why is the case significant?
The case is a stark example of how quickly a domestic argument can turn into serious violence, particularly when children are present. The court’s account shows not only the physical harm suffered by the victim, but also the impact on children who tried to intervene.
It also underlines the role of bystanders, as the report said the assault ended only after a neighbour stepped in and contacted police. The sentence, meanwhile, reflects the court’s decision to suspend custody while still imposing restrictions and financial penalties.
What did the report say about the injuries?
The victim’s injuries included a broken tooth and severe facial bruising, according to the court report in The Bolton News. Her eldest child sustained scarring after the beer can was allegedly thrown at him.
Those injuries formed part of the basis for the assault charges heard at Bolton Crown Court. The report identified Ludlum as 47 and from Horwich, and said the attack related to an incident in July 2024.
What happens next?
The restraining order means Ludlum cannot contact or approach the victim for the next two years, and a breach could carry a further penalty. He will also need to comply with the monthly payment schedule for the £705 in fees.
The case concludes with a suspended custodial sentence rather than immediate imprisonment, but the court record still leaves Ludlum under formal punishment and legal restrictions.