A serial domestic abuser has been jailed after strangling, punching and even forcing out a tooth from one of his victims.

Darrell McArdle, from Swanley, had been in relationships with two women but subjected them both to physical and psychological abuse.

McArdle started seeing one of the victims in February 2020 and by June sought to control every aspect of her life.

He began to insist she did not to speak to any other men or see her friends and would beat her if she wore clothing he deemed inappropriate.

McArdle forced her to erase any social media accounts she had and threatened to harm her family if she ever left him.

In June 2021, the victim was assaulted at a property in Gravesend, where McArdle repeatedly punched her in the head.

When she began to cry he continued to torment her and even forced a tooth from her mouth.

McArdle assaulted the second victim on November 21 last year, when he twice entered the Maidstone home of a former partner.

He punched her in the face several times, during an ordeal which also saw the victim pinned to a sofa and strangled.

The 24-year-old, from The Orchard, Swanley, was arrested in the following weeks as part of a case led by the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team.

He appeared before Maidstone Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

OnMonday, April 29, McArdle was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. He was also made the subject of a five-year restraining order, relating to the one of the victims.

“Ultimately, this man is a violent bully and coward who has subjected two women to the most appalling violence...”

DC Joe Yandle said: “McArdle continuously abused, isolated and tormented one of his victims during much of their relationship, with actions which were clearly intended to humiliate and degrade her.

“Ultimately, this man is a violent bully and coward who has subjected two women to the most appalling violence but has demonstrated little to no remorse or shame for his deplorable behaviour.

“I would like to thank and commend both these victims who have shown great courage to come forward, and also reassure anyone who may be in an abusive relationship that we have dedicated teams which work relentlessly to tackle and deter people like McArdle.

“Victims of domestic abuse often feel frightened, isolated and even ashamed, but they are never to blame for what is happening.

“There is a range of support and information available; please phone us or ask a trusted friend or relative to do it. Nobody should feel they don’t have the option to walk away.”