OFFENDER CRAIG GRIFFITHS SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT AND CRIMINAL DAMAGE IN ABERDARE
A bully repeatedly punched his ex-partner and continued to assault her while she was on the phone to the police.He laughed at her during the assault and told her: "No-one will ever believe you anyway." Craig Griffiths, 45, contacted his ex-partner asking if he could stay at her house as he was homeless.
They spent the evening together initially without incident.
During a court hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, it was revealed that Griffiths was under the influence of alcohol and suddenly began to shout at the victim, accusing her of texting her ex, which was false.
He then stood over her and punched her in the face.
During the assault, he also punched her phone, smashing it, and laughed, telling her to call the police.
While the victim was on the phone with the police, Griffiths continued to attack her, hitting her two or three more times and making the remark: "No-one will ever believe you anyway." He left the scene but later messaged her, calling her a liar and a slag, and made two more phone calls which she did not answer.
As a result of the attack, the victim sustained injuries including an injury to her left cheek, a small cut to the back of her head, bruises to her eyelid, and mouth pain.
The victim stated that the incident had a long-lasting emotional impact, feeling scared and embarrassed, and now avoids her ex-partner.
Griffiths pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage.
He has five previous convictions including battery and criminal damage.
The court sentenced him to 17 months in prison and imposed a restraining order for five years.
The judge acknowledged Griffiths's alcohol issues and his efforts to address them since his remand in prison.
