Hearing Held For Norman Man Accused Of Beating Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend Twice

A Norman man accused of beating his then pregnant girlfriend and trying to kill their unborn baby was in court Monday morning.

Ally Stephens took the stand to testify against her now ex-boyfriend Gage Ford.

On October 1 of last year, Stephens went to the Norman Police Department reporting abuse she said she sustained from Ford.

He was arrested, but later posted bail.

Related: Norman Pregnant Woman Allegedly Attacked Twice By Boyfriend; DA Says Low Bond Amount To Blame

Later that month, on October 17, investigators said she was attacked again, this time she needed to be hospitalized.

When Stephens took the stand Monday, she was asked about that specific encounter and what led up to it. 

She stated Ford told her that night he was going to kill himself and he wanted to see her. When she went over to his apartment, she said they were in his room and started discussing the baby. That's when they began arguing.

Stephens said as things escalated, she tried to leave and that's when Ford grabbed her by the hair and began hitting her in the face multiple times and kicking her in the stomach. She testified that while he was on top of her, she had trouble breathing.

She said she thought she was going to die. 

Stephens said she then ran to get help. When she looked in the mirror, she stated she didn't look like herself.

Stephens was later taken to the hospital and treated for her injuries. At the time she was 16 weeks pregnant. 

She had the child on March 8 and said the baby is healthy and doing well.

Shortly after the incident, Ford turned himself in to the U.S. Marshals and is charged with assault and battery by means of force, likely to produce death.

The defense argued her injuries weren't life threatening and there was no evidence of Ford using a weapon.

Ford is being held on a $250,000 bond, as another bond hearing is set for Wednesday.

Ford's formal arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. August 18 at the Cleveland County courthouse.