A MAN has been charged following an investigation into a report of domestic abuse in which a woman was allegedly threatened with an imitation firearm and grabbed by the throat.



Officers were called to an address in Whiston on Wednesday, November 13, to a report a man had threatened a woman inside while holding what is thought to have been an imitation firearm.

He was further reported to have grabbed the woman by the throat, assaulted her and caused damage at the address.

Officers attended and detained a man near to Prescot Fire Station.

The same suspect was alleged to have assaulted the woman on October 26, when it was alleged he grabbed her by the throat, assaulted her and caused damage to property.

Paul Regan, 20, of Beaconsfield, Prescot has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, two counts of ABH, two counts of non-fatal intentional strangulation, making a threat to commit criminal damage and two counts of criminal damage.

Regan, who was charged on Thursday, November 14, appeared at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court today and was remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, December 13.

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Detective Inspector Graeme Kehoe, from our specialist Knowsley & St Helens Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said: “Merseyside Police takes every report of domestic abuse extremely seriously. 

“We regularly hold lived experience workshops and victim survivor forums to listen to victims and understand where we need to improve the service we provide.

“Last month we launched our #TakingAction campaign to end violence against women and girls. Hopefully every action we taken following reports will reassure victims that their reports will be taken seriously.

“I would ask anyone who may be a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is a victim, to reach out for help. We are here to listen and support you and bring perpetrators to justice.”

How to report domestic abuse



Information can be found on Merseyside Police's website on the ways in which you can report domestic abuse if you are a victim or know someone who is. 

Further information on the local and national support available can be found here:  Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Merseyside Police