Domestic abuse campaigners have expressed outrage after Reform Party leader Richard Tice appeared to question court records detailing an incident in which Reform MP James McMurdock physically assaulted a former partner, as reported by Sky News.
McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, was convicted in 2006 for assaulting his then-girlfriend while intoxicated outside a nightclub. Court documents, reported by The Times, state that McMurdock “kicked” the victim “around four times,” leading to a 21-day custodial sentence in a young offenders’ institution.
McMurdock has denied the severity of the court’s findings, claiming instead that he “pushed” the victim during an argument. On Tuesday night, Tice defended McMurdock during an interview on Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge, emphasising forgiveness.
When asked about discrepancies between McMurdock’s account and the court records, Tice said his “understanding” of the incident differed from The Times’ report but insisted, “It actually doesn’t matter. I’m trusting James. He was there. The court wasn’t there. The Times weren’t there”.
Tice acknowledged McMurdock’s conviction but argued that “the law ruled that he had transgressed, and he was punished. He served his punishment”.
Women’s Aid said they were “appalled” by Tice’s remarks, accusing him of undermining the justice system and failing to set a positive example in tackling domestic abuse.
The 2006 assault came to light a week after McMurdock’s election when the victim’s mother described the attack, stating that her daughter was left with visible marks and that two security guards had to intervene to stop McMurdock.
Court records from the magistrate’s sentencing described the offense as serious, warranting an immediate custodial sentence. McMurdock’s 21-day sentence was not suspended.
