DECLAN HOWELLS FROM SPLOTT SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON GIRLFRIEND IN CARDIFF
| Red Rose Database
Splott Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing incident that unfolded in the early hours of a November morning, Declan Howells, a 19-year-old resident of Walker Road in Splott, Cardiff, was found guilty of a violent assault against his girlfriend. The assault took place after Howells, who had been out drinking, arrived at her flat at approximately 5:30 am, visibly intoxicated and ranting.
According to court proceedings, Howells and his girlfriend had been in a relationship for about a year. The events leading up to the attack began earlier that night when Howells was out with friends in Cardiff city centre. He made a call to his partner at around 1 am, and she agreed to let him come to her flat. He called again at 2 am, requesting her to meet him, but she refused and chose to go to sleep instead.
However, Howells did not leave her alone. He arrived at her residence in the early hours, heavily intoxicated and agitated. The court heard that Howells wanted to engage in sexual activity, but his girlfriend refused his advances. This rejection appeared to trigger a violent outburst. Prosecutor Tom Roberts explained that Howells became aggressive, accusing her of sleeping with other men, which escalated the situation.
During the hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was detailed that Howells physically attacked his girlfriend, grabbing her around the throat and beginning to strangle her. The victim struggled to breathe and felt as though she was about to lose consciousness. Despite her efforts to resist, Howells refused to release her. As the struggle continued, he held her down by her hair and neck and proceeded to punch her repeatedly in the face and jaw. The court was told she was struck approximately 20 times, resulting in visible injuries.
The assault caused her nose to bleed, and she could feel blood pooling in her throat. Throughout the attack, Howells shouted and screamed, uttering the words, “Nobody loves you, you make me do these things to you.” The victim managed to break free and retreat to the bathroom, but Howells continued to check on her, seemingly concerned she might call the police. Eventually, she escaped to a neighbor’s house, where authorities were contacted.
Following his arrest, Howells admitted guilt to charges of intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. It was revealed that he had four previous convictions, including one for battery. The victim provided a personal statement to the court, describing the physical injuries she sustained, which included a black eye, facial cuts, swelling, and bruises on her legs that required hospital treatment.
She also spoke about the emotional toll the incident had taken on her. She expressed feelings of low self-esteem, doubt, and guilt, stating, “I have major feelings of low self-esteem and major feelings of doubt and guilt. I felt so small and can’t get away from thoughts of him, wherever I go I find myself blaming myself for everything that happened.” She described hearing his voice in her head throughout the day, which severely affected her mental health and emotional well-being. The victim reflected on her vulnerability, acknowledging how manipulative Howells had been and how she had been walking over by his actions.
In sentencing, Recorder Simon Hughes emphasized the severity of the assault, stating that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate. Declan Howells was sentenced to 21 months in prison and was also subjected to a restraining order that will last for ten years, ensuring he remains legally prohibited from contacting the victim or approaching her in the future.
According to court proceedings, Howells and his girlfriend had been in a relationship for about a year. The events leading up to the attack began earlier that night when Howells was out with friends in Cardiff city centre. He made a call to his partner at around 1 am, and she agreed to let him come to her flat. He called again at 2 am, requesting her to meet him, but she refused and chose to go to sleep instead.
However, Howells did not leave her alone. He arrived at her residence in the early hours, heavily intoxicated and agitated. The court heard that Howells wanted to engage in sexual activity, but his girlfriend refused his advances. This rejection appeared to trigger a violent outburst. Prosecutor Tom Roberts explained that Howells became aggressive, accusing her of sleeping with other men, which escalated the situation.
During the hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was detailed that Howells physically attacked his girlfriend, grabbing her around the throat and beginning to strangle her. The victim struggled to breathe and felt as though she was about to lose consciousness. Despite her efforts to resist, Howells refused to release her. As the struggle continued, he held her down by her hair and neck and proceeded to punch her repeatedly in the face and jaw. The court was told she was struck approximately 20 times, resulting in visible injuries.
The assault caused her nose to bleed, and she could feel blood pooling in her throat. Throughout the attack, Howells shouted and screamed, uttering the words, “Nobody loves you, you make me do these things to you.” The victim managed to break free and retreat to the bathroom, but Howells continued to check on her, seemingly concerned she might call the police. Eventually, she escaped to a neighbor’s house, where authorities were contacted.
Following his arrest, Howells admitted guilt to charges of intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. It was revealed that he had four previous convictions, including one for battery. The victim provided a personal statement to the court, describing the physical injuries she sustained, which included a black eye, facial cuts, swelling, and bruises on her legs that required hospital treatment.
She also spoke about the emotional toll the incident had taken on her. She expressed feelings of low self-esteem, doubt, and guilt, stating, “I have major feelings of low self-esteem and major feelings of doubt and guilt. I felt so small and can’t get away from thoughts of him, wherever I go I find myself blaming myself for everything that happened.” She described hearing his voice in her head throughout the day, which severely affected her mental health and emotional well-being. The victim reflected on her vulnerability, acknowledging how manipulative Howells had been and how she had been walking over by his actions.
In sentencing, Recorder Simon Hughes emphasized the severity of the assault, stating that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate. Declan Howells was sentenced to 21 months in prison and was also subjected to a restraining order that will last for ten years, ensuring he remains legally prohibited from contacting the victim or approaching her in the future.