MAN JAILED FOR STRANGLING EX-GIRLFRIEND
A man from Newtown has received a prison sentence after being convicted of strangling his former partner during a frightening incident inside her residence, during which she believed her life was in danger.The victim was assaulted by her on-and-off boyfriend, Jack Williams, at her home in Maesyrhandir, Newtown, following a dispute at a pub where they had been drinking on September 6.
Mold Crown Court was informed that approximately 30 minutes of CCTV footage captured shouting and screaming emanating from the property.
The terrifying event concluded around 12:40 a.m.
when Williams fled as police entered the flat.
The injured woman, visibly upset and crying, expressed her gratitude to neighbours for calling emergency services.
Williams, who has prior youth convictions related to violence and disorder, was sentenced to 21 months in prison after admitting to intentional strangulation on Thursday, December 11.
Prosecutor Emmalyne Downing explained that the couple had been in an on-and-off relationship, which ended in April, but Williams remained at her home under the belief they were still together.
On the night of September 6, they argued, prompting the victim to retreat to her flat.
Despite this, Williams kept calling her, and she planned to leave a note at his flat requesting he leave her alone.
However, Williams was waiting outside her door and pushed past her to gain entry.
She shouted for him to go away, but he pushed her, then wrapped his hands around her neck, causing her to struggle for breath.
In an attempt to defend herself, she bit his thigh, but he responded aggressively, punching her in the face and stomach, resulting in a bloodied mouth.
The defendant then forcefully pressed her hand against a radiator and, remarkably, kissed her hand afterward, according to the prosecutor.
The victim tried to call for help, but Williams covered her mouth and neck, choking her.
She made an effort to escape but was pulled by her hair before Williams again placed his hands around her throat, threatening to stab her and telling her that no one would come to her aid.
The victim believed she was going to die, describing the ordeal as seemingly lasting forever.
Neighbors intervened to assist her, while police later located Williams at his father's address that morning.
The woman expressed ongoing fears about her ex-boyfriend's potential actions once released from custody, describing herself as constantly anxious and plagued by nightmares.
During mitigation, lawyer Myles Wilson noted that the pre-sentence report highlighted Williams as a 'rather damaged young man' with a troubled childhood.
He mentioned that Williams had been using cannabis to cope, which he believed worsened his issues, and that he had also used cocaine over the past year.
Wilson explained that the incident resulted from an argument the same evening and that Williams had gone to the victim’s flat seeking reconciliation, which only worsened the situation.
He suggested Williams attributed his actions to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but accepted that it was a prolonged incident.
The lawyer added that Williams showed some remorse, is seeking mental health support, and aims to consult a doctor upon release.
Having been detained for three months his first time in prison Wilson stated that Williams was eager to work with the probation service to prevent future incidents.
Judge Rhys Rowlands sentenced Williams to 21 months in prison, noting that although the injuries inflicted were not the most severe, they impacted the victim's quality of life and left her fearful.
The judge observed that Williams displayed little remorse, attempting to minimize his role and blame the victim.
Additionally, the court issued a 10-year domestic abuse protection order against Williams, residing at Pine Court, Newtown.
