MAN STRANGLED HIS PARTNER IN 'FIT OF JEALOUSY' AND SMASHED UP HER PHONE
A possessive man consistently choked his partner after she communicated with male friends and damaged her phone, stating, "The only way to get to you is to smash your phone up." Following an assault, he warned her, "If you call the police, I will seriously beat you bad before they get to you." Huw Young, aged 57, had been in a relationship with the victim for a year; they maintained separate residences.His first attack on her occurred in 2024 at his home in Bridgend, when he threw her phone across the bedroom and placed his arm around her neck to restrict her airflow.
During a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, it was revealed that Young's hostility increased after the victim received messages from male friends.
In January, he was detained and released on conditional bail, which prohibited him from contacting her.
On May 16, the victim visited Young’s home in Pencoed, leading to an argument where he slapped her across the face.
He then left but returned later that evening intoxicated.
He wrapped his right hand around her neck and began to strangle her until she made choking sounds.
The following day, they went to a pub, but upon returning home, he became argumentative again, threw her onto the floor, and then punched her multiple times on the back of her head, causing swelling and raising fears of serious injury or death.
He threatened her, saying, "If you call the police, I will seriously beat you bad before they get to you," before fleeing.
The victim contacted authorities, resulting in Young’s arrest.
He subsequently admitted to two counts of intentionally strangling her, assault causing actual bodily harm, and criminal damage.
He has a prior conviction related to domestic assault involving an ex-partner.
During the court session, the victim shared, "The incident has completely lowered my confidence and trust in people.
I am no longer sure who to trust.
Huw kept telling me how much he loved me, but his jealousy made me lose myself.
He showed kindness one moment and nastiness the next.
My judgment of character has been damaged, and I don’t know who I can trust anymore." In his mitigation, Neil Evans noted that Young's relationship was described as "toxic" and that his alcohol consumption increased after losing his job.
Since being in custody, Young has abstained from alcohol and attended counselling.
Judge Carl Harrison sentenced him to three years in prison and issued a restraining order.
