MAN LEFT HIS PARTNER "BLEEDING, BATTERED AND BRUISED"
A man assaulted his fiancée, resulting in a fractured eye socket, after accusing her of dancing with other men, a court has heard.Alexander Patton initially lied to police, claiming that she had injured herself by falling down a step.
During sentencing, a judge told Patton that he had left his partner "bleeding, battered, and bruised" before providing a false account of the incident to authorities.
The judge emphasized that the severity of the case warranted immediate detention.
Helen Randall, prosecuting, stated at Swansea Crown Court that the assault occurred in August at the victim’s flat in Swansea, following a gathering of neighbours for drinks.
She described how Patton became "increasingly loud and aggressive" as the evening progressed, prompting the victim to lock herself in the bathroom.
The court heard that Patton followed her, accusing her of dancing with other men and calling her a "slag", before managing to unlock the door from outside and force his way in.
Inside the bathroom, Patton allegedly pushed the woman in the face, then grabbed her by the throat and pushed her into the shower cubicle.
He then reportedly took her to the floor and repeatedly slammed her head against the shower wall.
When police arrived, they found the bleeding woman still in the bathroom.
Patton was detained and denied any wrongdoing, maintaining she had injured herself falling down a step.
Medical assessments revealed cuts to her face and a fractured eye socket.
An impact statement from the victim was read in court, describing a scar behind her ear and stating that the ordeal had been "emotionally draining".
She expressed disbelief at having been "betrayed" by someone she loved.
Previously, Patton, who resides on Llantwit Road in Neath, pleaded guilty to the charge of assault causing actual bodily harm at his sentencing hearing.
Representing Patton, Caitlin Brazel explained that he had a "unsettled and traumatic childhood" with limited education and emotional growth.
She noted his intention to seek employment as a trainee mechanic alongside his brother and mentioned that the Probation Service could assist him in reducing the risk of reoffending.
Judge Eugene Egan remarked that Patton had assaulted his victim, leaving her "bleeding, battered, and bruised" and had lied to the police about the incident.
The judge also pointed out that Patton was a father of four, although he had not seen his children "for over a year".
Given the seriousness of the case, the judge ruled that only immediate custody was appropriate.
Considering his guilty plea, Patton received a sentence of 24 months in prison, with a quarter withdrawn as a discount.
He is expected to serve up to half of his sentence in detention before being released on license to serve the remainder in the community.
