GARETH MEACHIN'S BRUTAL CRIMES IN ABERCYNON LEAD TO PRISON SENTENCE
| Red Rose Database
Abercynon Domestic Abuser
Gareth Meachin, a 31-year-old man from Abercynon, has been found guilty of a series of violent and controlling assaults against his pregnant partner, actions that have left a lasting impact on her both physically and emotionally. The incidents, which spanned from November 2021 to February 2022, included severe acts of violence such as strangulation, holding a knife to her throat, and physical kicks, all of which contributed to the tragic loss of her unborn child. Although it was not explicitly stated that his actions directly caused the miscarriage, the emotional toll and physical trauma inflicted are undeniable.
The police became involved on February 9 after Meachin contacted authorities, claiming he had been assaulted by his partner. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the woman hiding behind a neighbor’s car, visibly distressed. During questioning, she recounted a series of violent episodes, beginning with an incident in November 2021 where Meachin reportedly launched himself at her, pinning her down and choking her, resulting in visible bruising. This assault marked the beginning of a pattern of escalating violence.
Further incidents were reported in December 2021 at his mother’s house, where Meachin engaged in strangulation and threw objects at her. The violence intensified in January, when his jealousy and aggression led him to slam her face into a wall and hold a knife to her throat at his mother’s residence, leaving a mark on her neck. The final assault took place on February 9, when she showed him a tattoo of his initials on her chest. His reaction was one of uncontrollable anger; he strangled her and kicked her while she was on the ground, causing her further injury.
Throughout the court proceedings, it was revealed that Meachin has a criminal history that includes theft and burglary. He pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, acknowledging the pattern of abuse. The victim described feeling “completely broken” and no longer recognizing herself, emphasizing the destructive nature of their relationship. She detailed how Meachin’s jealousy, controlling tendencies, and violent outbursts had left her emotionally drained and devastated, especially after losing her baby.
In sentencing, the judge handed down a prison term of two years and five months to Meachin, along with a five-year restraining order to protect the victim from further harm. During mitigation, his legal representative highlighted his history of bullying and issues with alcohol, attempting to provide context for his behavior. However, the court underscored the persistent and harmful pattern of conduct that caused significant suffering to the victim, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and their impact on her life.
The police became involved on February 9 after Meachin contacted authorities, claiming he had been assaulted by his partner. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the woman hiding behind a neighbor’s car, visibly distressed. During questioning, she recounted a series of violent episodes, beginning with an incident in November 2021 where Meachin reportedly launched himself at her, pinning her down and choking her, resulting in visible bruising. This assault marked the beginning of a pattern of escalating violence.
Further incidents were reported in December 2021 at his mother’s house, where Meachin engaged in strangulation and threw objects at her. The violence intensified in January, when his jealousy and aggression led him to slam her face into a wall and hold a knife to her throat at his mother’s residence, leaving a mark on her neck. The final assault took place on February 9, when she showed him a tattoo of his initials on her chest. His reaction was one of uncontrollable anger; he strangled her and kicked her while she was on the ground, causing her further injury.
Throughout the court proceedings, it was revealed that Meachin has a criminal history that includes theft and burglary. He pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, acknowledging the pattern of abuse. The victim described feeling “completely broken” and no longer recognizing herself, emphasizing the destructive nature of their relationship. She detailed how Meachin’s jealousy, controlling tendencies, and violent outbursts had left her emotionally drained and devastated, especially after losing her baby.
In sentencing, the judge handed down a prison term of two years and five months to Meachin, along with a five-year restraining order to protect the victim from further harm. During mitigation, his legal representative highlighted his history of bullying and issues with alcohol, attempting to provide context for his behavior. However, the court underscored the persistent and harmful pattern of conduct that caused significant suffering to the victim, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and their impact on her life.