THEOLOGY STUDENT SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND VIOLENCE
A man previously studying theology assaulted a woman both physically and sexually after consuming alcohol and drugs.During the incident, Jordan Merli-Hampton restrained the woman by pinning her to the ground, grabbing her throat, and then engaging in sexual assault.
As she tried to escape, he threatened her by warning, "Be quiet or I'll end your life." The attack took place in a residence in Penlan, Swansea, in March of the previous year, following a night of drinking and using crack cocaine.
Prosecutor Clare Wilks explained that Merli-Hampton inflicted cuts on the woman’s neck, with blood visible on her clothing and the walls nearby.
Additionally, he took a watch and damaged her mobile phone before fleeing.
Police found her with injuries, and witnesses reported observing Merli-Hampton in an agitated state, muttering, laughing, and threatening to "go back and finish her off" before he lost consciousness.
He was detained the next day and claimed that his sexual conduct was consensual, asserting he was the victim.
The defendant had previously admitted to several charges including common assault, actual bodily harm, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, theft, and criminal damage, and had 15 past convictions with a total of 43 offences.
The court sentenced him to 40 months in prison, with a one-third reduction for his guilty pleas, and he may serve up to half before being considered for automatic early release.
He is also mandated to register as a sex offender for life.
The presiding judge conveyed his disappointment, stating that Merli-Hampton had let down his children with his actions that night.
