Case reawakened traumatic memories of a dark period of life

Last week, I sat in Preston Crown Court for the sentencing of Paul Schofield, a former wealth manager, found guilty of assaulting his wife of 20 years.

- Rebecca Jane

Their marriage had long been turbulent, and on the night of October 4, 2024 that turbulence exploded into violence. Four of their five children were at home, with four of their friends staying for a sleepover.

Upstairs, away from the little ones, Paul dragged his wife by the arms, striking her head, eye and her knee.

Her injuries took weeks to heal. She suffered double vision from a black eye, could not exercise or walk her dog for weeks because of knee pain, and described the pain as being “like a bad car crash”.