Toledo, Ohio — A man has been sentenced to as long as 22 years in prison following a brutal attack that left his victim unconscious for over ten minutes. The violent incident occurred in March and has highlighted the dangers of domestic violence in the community.
Bobby Fench, 27, received his sentence last week after being convicted of felonious assault. The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office reported that he will serve a term of eight to twelve years for this conviction, along with an additional ten years due to his status as a repeat violent offender.
On March 10, the assault unfolded after the victim attempted to leave Fench’s home, located on Fulton Street. Prosecutors stated that Fench pursued her, delivering a forceful blow to her head that caused her to collapse to the ground. When she sought to regain her footing, Fench attacked again with renewed ferocity.
The assault escalated as Fench continued to strike the victim while she lay incapacitated, slamming her head against the concrete surface. Following the attack, he reportedly tried to drag her back inside the residence, even as a neighbor intervened to assist the victim.
Authorities confirmed that the violent episode was captured on video from a nearby security camera. At the time of the assault, Fench was wearing an ankle monitor, which has raised further questions about the monitoring of repeat offenders.
Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia Bates commented on the case, stating the tragedy of domestic violence should not be overlooked. “Love does not leave you bleeding and unconscious on the sidewalk. Those we love are supposed to be our safe haven,” she said, expressing gratitude for the jury’s deliberation and the efforts of the Toledo Police Department in the investigation.
Despite a no-contact order in place, records indicate that Fench and the victim exchanged over 1,000 phone calls while he was detained at the Lucas County jail. Prosecutors have suggested that Fench encouraged the victim not to cooperate with law enforcement, which complicates efforts to address domestic violence.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding intimate partner violence and the challenges faced by victims seeking to escape abusive situations. As authorities continue to focus on prevention and education, community awareness about this growing issue remains crucial.