JOSHUA GRAY OF NEWPORT SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR ABUSING PREGNANT PARTNER

A man from Newport has been sentenced to prison after physically assaulting and strangling his pregnant girlfriend, who was nine months pregnant at the time. Joshua Gray, 30, of Ladyhill Green in Alway, Newport, received a prison term for a series of abusive actions against his heavily pregnant partner.

During the hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on October 15, it was revealed that Gray's abuse spanned six months, from April to September 2022. The court heard that the victim's three children were often present during his episodes of violence.

The incident that led to Gray's arrest occurred in September when Gwent Police responded to their home at 1:30 a.m. and the victim informed officers that she had been "battered." Police were shown photographs displaying a large purple and black bruise covering half of her arm, which the judge, Recorder Owen Casey, described as "completely unsightly."

Prosecutor Hywel Davies stated: "Abuses included the defendant strangling her against a wall causing her to wet herself. She was beaten repeatedly, resulting in her soiling herself. He controlled her clothing choices and prohibited her from having friends, which caused her serious psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. She experiences frequent nightmares, and her children require additional support at school after witnessing the abuse at home."

Mr. Davies also added that Gray was often under the influence of cocaine during the episodes and that he has prior convictions for battery and various driving offences.

In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Owen Casey said: "You demonstrated a pattern of behaviour that controlled her life. You verbally abused her, strangled her during arguments, physically assaulted her, and even accused her of infidelity. Her own children were present during your campaign of abuse while she was pregnant with your child. Furthermore, this offending occurred while you were serving a suspended sentence, and it did not seem to deter you. It appears you believed people wouldn't find out what happens behind closed doors—that you could get away with it."

Joshua Gray was sentenced to two years and five months in prison. The judge also identified him as posing a high risk to children and individuals with whom he had relationships. Additionally, a seven-year restraining order was imposed against him to protect the victim.