MAN JAILED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE OF THEN-PARTNER
Francis Berry, a resident of Australia Street, Ponciau, Wrexham, appeared before Mold Crown Court today to receive sentencing after admitting to three charges of criminal damage and two counts of causing actual bodily harm through assault.The court was informed that Berry had been in a romantic relationship with Tamsin Hughes for five months in early 2025, during which he stayed at her residence.
At that time, Ms Hughes was 30 weeks pregnant.
Prosecutor Laura Knightly described the relationship as increasingly tumultuous, with arguments escalating into violence.
The first incident occurred in spring 2025, during a heated argument when Berry’s aggression led him to throw objects.
Ms Hughes responded by locking herself in the bathroom, but Berry expelled her by kicking the door, which resulted in damage.
A second episode happened on May 13, when Berry, after an argument, repeatedly jumped on a coffee table until it broke.
He then kicked a child's toy into a television, causing the screen to shatter.
The most severe episode took place on May 20, when Berry, in a fit of anger while in the bedroom, destroyed a child's cot.
When Ms Hughes attempted to intervene, Berry gathered the broken pieces of the cot and waved them in her face, ordering her to stop speaking.
As she tried to leave the house, Berry restrained her from behind, placing his forearm around her neck in a chokehold.
Ms Hughes tried to scream and call for help, but Berry held her tightly and bit her face.
After releasing her, he kicked her between the legs as she escaped.
She managed to flee and was followed into the street, where Berry shouted at her.
A friend saw her injuries during a video call, in which Berry was heard laughing when questioned about his conduct.
Subsequently, Ms Hughes coordinated a coded message with a friend to alert authorities if she was in danger.
On another occasion, when the assault recurred, she sent the code, leading the friend to contact police.
Police responded later that afternoon and arrested Berry.
He provided no comment when questioned but later pleaded guilty to all charges.
Defending, Richard Edwards highlighted Berry's improved attitude in custody and his desire to turn his life around by working and positively contributing to society.
Judge Rhys Rowlands stated that the offences showed controlling and bullying behaviour.
He pointed out that the assault on Ms Hughes was highly culpable, especially considering her pregnancy and the use of strangulation.
The judge commented that the case did not warrant a non-custodial sentence and that imprisonment was necessary.
Berry was sentenced to two years in prison.
The criminal damage charges were incorporated into this overall sentence, and no separate penalties were applied.
Additionally, a domestic abuse protection order was issued for five years.
