WREXHAM MAN JAILED FOR VIOLENT ABUSE TOWARDS PARTNER
A VIOLENT thug who subjected his girlfriend to terrifying incidents of domestic abuse has been locked up.Martin Lavelle, formerly of Second Avenue in Gwersyllt, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court for sentence on Friday.
The 40-year-old, whose residence is now recorded simply as HMP Berwyn, had previously admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and intentional strangulation - which took place in Wrexham.
The court heard that Lavelle's behavior changed after entering into a relationship with Michaela Amber McCafferty in June 2022.
Over time, his conduct escalated from verbal abuse to violence.
On October 18, 2022, he punched her in the face, causing a cut around her left eye.
The couple later resumed their relationship despite the violence.
On March 15, 2023, after an argument, Lavelle violently assaulted Ms McCafferty again by punching her repeatedly and strangling her, even threatening to 'take her last breath.' The relationship was marked by a cycle of abuse, with the victim describing feeling isolated and unhappy.
Lavelle had previous convictions for violence against an ex-partner.
During the court proceedings, it was stated that Lavelle has 12 previous convictions for 18 offences, including violence.
The judge sentenced Lavelle to two years and eight months in prison and imposed a six-year restraining order to protect the victim.
