CARDIFF MAN JAILED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND STRANGULATION
An ex-boyfriend who physically assaulted and emotionally abused his girlfriend, Alexis Flavin, has been sentenced to prison.The offender, Johnathan Cole, from Cardiff, was convicted of intentionally strangling his terrified girlfriend as she held their newborn baby and for banning her from breastfeeding because he was "jealous." Cole, who has a criminal record with 14 previous convictions for 16 offenses, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to 19 months behind bars for the attack.
The incident involved Cole wrapping his hands around Alexis’ neck while she was in bed with their infant daughter.
She recalled, "I couldn’t scream, I couldn’t breathe.
I thought he was going to kill me.
I was terrified of moving because I knew I had to keep my baby safe." After the attack, Alexis called the police, and Cole fled the scene but was arrested shortly afterward.
She required medical treatment for her injuries, which were so severe she couldn’t swallow.
Her injuries included bruising from the strangulation.
This attack marked the end of Cole's pattern of physical and emotional abuse, which included destroying scan pictures and isolating Alexis from her family and friends through manipulation and gaslighting.
Despite separation, Cole’s controlling behavior persisted, especially concerning the baby’s care and breastfeeding.
Alexis, now more aware of her worth, has urged other women to check their partner’s past using Clare’s Law, which helps people access information about previous violence or abuse histories of partners.
Cole’s criminal history and previous domestic violence incidents highlight the importance of such checks.
The court noted that Cole's injuries to Alexis were "very nasty" and described his behavior as "cowardly," resulting in a serious sentence after previous domestic violence convictions.
Alexis has received support from organizations like SUTDA—Stand Up To Domestic Violence—and has emphasized the importance of self-worth and awareness in protecting oneself from potentially dangerous partners.
