PONTYPOOL THUG MADE ACID THREAT TO TERRIFIED GIRLFRIEND
Damien Smith, age 44 and from Pontypool, was sentenced by Judge Eugene Egan, who questioned whether Smith viewed himself as a tough individual.“Real men don’t behave towards their female partners in this way,” he stated as he handed down the sentence at Newport Crown Court.
Prosecutor Andrew Davies explained that Smith had dragged the woman around a room by her hair, bitten her breast, kicked her to the ground, and then stamped on her head.
Smith admitted to four assaults overall, with the most severe incident involving a 3cm laceration to her left thigh, caused when she was cut during a struggle after picking up a knife for self-defense.
“The defendant mocked her after she returned from the hospital,” Mr.
Davies added.
“He told her he should have slit her throat instead.” In a heartfelt victim impact statement she read aloud, the woman described Smith’s actions as having a profoundly damaging impact on her.
“He told me he would pay someone to knock on my door and then throw acid in my face so I wouldn’t be attractive to anyone else,” she said.
“There were times I felt like giving up on life.
My confidence has been shattered.
I believe he seeks revenge for reporting him.
I fear for my safety and live in constant dread of him.
I will always be looking over my shoulder.” She also mentioned that her former partner refuses to sell their jointly owned home, leaving her feeling “trapped.” Smith, a resident of Garndiffaith, pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) and three counts of assault causing actual bodily harm.
The assault incidents, fueled by alcohol, occurred between September 22, 2022, and September 16, 2025.
He has five prior convictions for six offenses, including a 2014 conviction for GBH and, a few months later, for criminal damage after throwing the victim’s mobile phone against a wall.
Ieuan Bennett, representing Smith, stated: “He understands that the relationship is over and has no intention of troubling her further.
The defendant has come to terms with his actions and feels remorse.
“He recognizes that his drinking habits contributed to his behavior and should have sought counseling.” Judge Egan addressed ex-boxer Smith directly, condemning his actions as bullying, dominating, and intimidating his victim.
He commented, “I am unsure what was going through your mind at the time.
Perhaps you saw yourself as some sort of tough guy resorting to physical violence against someone smaller.
True strength lies in respecting your partner, not mistreating her.” Smith was sentenced to just over two years in prison and was also ordered not to contact his victim for 15 years through a restraining order.
