Man sentenced to 30 years for assaulting pregnant ex-girlfriend

DENVER (KDVR) — On Thursday, a 39-year-old man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for assaulting his pregnant ex-girlfriend in 2023.

Tomas Bandera was sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections for first-degree assault – causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon as an act of domestic violence following a guilty plea.

The sentence stems from May 26, 2023, when the Adams County Sheriff’s Office was called about an incident of domestic violence at a home along Coronado Parkway.

According to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Bandera assaulted his ex-girlfriend repeatedly. The DA said Bandera also stole her stepmother’s car and ultimately called the police on himself.

Bandera was taken into custody after leading police on a high-speed chase, the DA said.

At that time, the DA said the victim was six months pregnant and the assault caused a premature delivery of the baby. The victim suffered several injuries, but both she and her baby survived.

“This case shocks the conscience,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “The defendant brutally assaulted his pregnant ex-girlfriend and very nearly caused her death and the death of her unborn child. I’m truly grateful that the mother and the baby survived, and that this defendant will spend a significant amount of time in prison for this horrific crime.”

According to the DA, Bandera was on domestic violence probation for a prior misdemeanor assault of the same victim. The DA said Bandera stalked her before ultimately violating his protection order and visiting her house.

“The victim supported the release of information on this case in the hopes that her story would resonate with and help other survivors of domestic violence,” said the DA’s office in a press release.

Help is available for survivors of domestic violence. More information can be found on Adams County’s website.

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