MAN JAILED FOR STRANGLING AND THREATENING EX-PARTNER
Update 13/04/2026: A man with a history of domestic abuse, Craig Brown, of Deva Way in Wrexham, was sentenced last week after admitting two offences of assault and one of criminal damage.The 34-year-old was jailed for a total of 12 weeks and must pay £1,200 compensation, £150 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
A restraining order, lasting 'until further order' (in other words until the court says different), was imposed to protect his victim; Joanne Taylor.
Ms Taylor, who was Brown's partner, spoke to the Leader about the sentence and spoke out in order to encourage others who may find themselves at risk of domestic abuse to reach out for help.
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Craig Brown, a resident of Deva Way in Wrexham, appeared before Mold Crown Court on Thursday, October 16, to face sentencing.
The 34-year-old man had previously entered a guilty plea during a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing on April 4, admitting to charges of intentional strangulation, criminal damage, and threats to damage property.
Prosecutor David Mainstone described the victim as Donna Brookes, who had an on-and-off romantic relationship with Brown.
Throughout their relationship, Brown had issued threats to break her windows and had also threatened to set fire to her home and place petrol in her letterbox.
On May 26 of the previous year, Ms Brookes visited Brown’s address around 7pm.
An hour and a half later, an ex-partner of hers called to check on her wellbeing, aware of the previous threats made by Brown.
Shortly after this call, Brown became uncharacteristically quiet, and an argument ensued between him and Ms Brookes.
As she headed toward the kitchen, she turned around and saw Brown with a red face, visibly angry.
He then physically attacked her by placing his hands around her neck and strangling her.
Following the assault, Brown threw her phone onto the floor, causing its screen to break.
He told Ms Brookes to leave but later changed his mind, apologized, and said he would cover the cost of the phone.
A few days afterward, Brown ended the relationship but continued harassing her via phone calls, calling her derogatory names like 'fat tramp' and 'dirty rat'.
Ms Brookes managed to record one of these calls, in which Brown admitted to strangling her and breaking her phone.
When she mentioned he was going on holiday, he responded with a warning to "wait and see what happens," which the prosecution argued was a further threat to damage her property while she was away.
Brown was interviewed on June 3 of the previous year, during which he denied all charges and also claimed that his voice was not on the recorded call.
Defence lawyer John Wyn Williams noted that Brown has been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, but added that the defendant appeared to be disgusted by his own actions.
Judge Simon Mills sentenced Brown to 55 weeks in prison and issued a Domestic Abuse Protection Order that will remain in effect for seven years.
