MAN JAILED FOR VIOLENT ATTACK ON PARTNER
A man from Cardiff has been sentenced to prison after physically assaulting his former partner in a Newport hotel lobby.Andrew Bishop, who previously pleaded guilty to charges of wounding with intent under section 18 and racially aggravated common assault, received his sentence on Wednesday, October 29, at Cardiff Crown Court.
The 42-year-old was sentenced to seven years and one month in prison and was also ordered to comply with a 10-year restraining order.
The incident occurred after police were called by the hotel receptionist when the victim escaped from Bishop’s car into the hotel lobby seeking help following a dispute that originated in a nearby city centre bar.
Bishop then followed the victim inside the hotel where they were staying and was caught on CCTV violently assaulting her, resulting in facial fractures that required her to spend three nights in hospital.
In her victim impact statement, she described feeling "hurt, afraid, and deeply betrayed by someone I had once cared for and trusted." She added, “But over time I’ve worked on healing.
I’ve learned to rebuild my strength.” Expressing forgiveness, she stated, “What I truly hope is that he learns from this, that he takes responsibility, and that he finds a way to live differently.” She concluded with a message of peace: “What I truly hope is that he learns from this, that he takes responsibility, and that he finds a way to live differently.
I’ve found peace in my own life, and I hope he can find peace in his.” Detective Constable Danielle Terblanche, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s resilience, saying, "I'd like to commend the strength and courage of the victim.
Her resilience and resolve throughout the investigation have ensured that a violent man is rightly behind bars.
"The assault carried out by Bishop was horrific and vile, causing serious and lasting injuries to his then-girlfriend.
"Nobody should have to endure the threat of violence or acts of violence from anyone, let alone from their own partner.
“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone.
If you, or someone you know if a victim of domestic abuse, we urge you to come forward to report it.
We have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity.
Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly."
