Stephen Rooney Convicted of Abuse Against Three Partners Amid Claims of Rehabilitation
Victim recounts lasting emotional scars as judge expresses scepticism over Rooney's 'changed man' assertions.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
Stephen Rooney has been convicted of offences against three former partners, with one victim detailing the profound and lasting impact of the abuse.
The victim confirmed the abuse inflicted by Rooney left lasting emotional scars and anxiety. She stated, "The abuse I've experienced has deeply affected every part of my life. What happened in that short period of time left lasting emotional scars and anxiety I still have to work through to this day. I've had to rebuild my life piece by piece."
Rooney's history of violence includes spraying a canister of nitrous oxide directly at his then-partner's face, inflicting a burn. The prosecution detailed Rooney sprayed his then-partner in the face with nitrous oxide 'for no apparent reason', causing a burn to her forehead.
There is a clear pattern of violent behaviour against partners, [victim's name] being the third such victim of your violent behaviour.
Judge Gary Woodhall noted a clear pattern of violent behaviour, identifying the victim as the third such individual. The judge stated, "There is a clear pattern of violent behaviour against partners, [victim's name] being the third such victim of your violent behaviour."
Furthermore, Judge Woodhall detailed Rooney's controlling behaviour, including pulling his then-partner from her chair, kicking her on the floor, and squeezing her neck for approximately five to 20 seconds. Rooney also seized his then-partner's phone during a trip to Turkey, locking it in a safe.
The prosecution asserted Rooney 'resorted to emotional blackmail' to compel his then-partner to embark upon the trip to Turkey. Judge Woodhall corroborated this, stating, "You resorted to emotional blackmail to persuade her to go on a pre-booked holiday to Turkey with you and your daughter."
The judge further observed, "It is clear that you behaved in a controlling manner towards her, limiting contact with her family at home." During the proceedings, Rooney sat with his head lowered.
Rooney claims a transformation, asserting his previous denials stemmed from shame and denial. His representative, Gerry Baxter, stated, "The life that he was living involved a lot of drugs. There has been something of a change in this man."
Baxter detailed Rooney's engagement in various prison courses, including a mentoring course, a personal development course, a leadership and management course in respect of football, and a food hygiene course. Baxter added, He is expecting that those courses will help him to find employment afterwards. He has no intention of going back to the previous relationships. He does seem to be trying to turn his life around.
However, Judge Woodhall expressed significant concerns regarding Rooney's purported admissions. The judge stated, "I harbour real concerns that your apparent admissions are genuine. They are at complete odds with the way that you conducted yourself during the trial and your reaction when the jury returned its verdicts."
The judge concluded, "I am satisfied that you sought to manipulate the trial process, and I am concerned your admissions are a further attempt to manipulate the sentencing process." Rooney reportedly seeks to minimise his actions by blaming drink and drugs, a claim Judge Woodhall also noted.
Judge Woodhall stated, "You seek to minimise your actions by blaming drink and drugs. You will need to show over time that your remorse is genuine, rather than perhaps a reaction to facing sentence." A 12-year restraining order has been issued against Rooney.
Judge Woodhall acknowledged the victim's enduring fear. He stated, "Her fear of you as a previous victim of domestic abuse at your hands was palpable, despite the passage of time."