MAN SENTENCED FOR ATTACKING EX-PARTNER
Johann Hughes, residing at Triangle Cottages in Rhayader, engaged in harassment of his former partner, leading her to feel threatened in the subsequent days despite existing bail restrictions that prohibited him from making contact.The 51-year-old appeared before Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, July 29, via a video link from HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, where he was held in custody after pleading guilty to multiple charges in June.
Prosecutor Skye Connors stated that Hughes had been drinking with the victim at her residence in Brynheulog on June 12, when he became verbally abusive and was asked to leave.
He left his keys and jacket outside her home, but upon his return, he began kicking and smashing the door with a chair.
Ms Connors described: "The defendant was screaming, kicking the door and using a metal chair to break through.
After he gained entry to her house, he was kicking the bedroom door which she was behind." Hughes then threw a bicycle towards the victim as he was leaving, prompting police to arrive at the scene.
In the days afterward, Hughes continued to contact his ex via text messages and phone calls, also following her around Rhayader.
Her victim impact statement expressed her fear and anxiety, stating that Hughes made her feel constantly unsafe and that she had never been this scared before.
Defense lawyer Owain Jones told the court that Hughes was remorseful and accepted full responsibility without blame on the victim.
He explained that Hughes’ condition was worsened by alcohol consumption and lack of medication for his mental health issues.
Jones added that Hughes wishes to leave Rhayader, describing it as a very small community, and emphasised his desire to change his behaviour.
The magistrates imposed a 10-week prison sentence for three counts of assault, to run concurrently, along with four-week terms for criminal damage, harassment, and violent entry, also concurrent.
The sentence was suspended for 18 months.
Additionally, Hughes was ordered to complete a community order requiring cooperation with probation services, and to pay £400 each in compensation to Miss Williams and for property damage to Powys County Council.
A restraining order prohibiting contact was set for two years.
