CARDIFF MAN SENTENCED FOR SEVERE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE
A woman attempted to take her own life after enduring physical and verbal abuse from her partner, Michael Crimmins, who "goaded her" as she took an overdose.Over a three-month period between June and September last year, Crimmins hit her over the head, suffocated her, and threatened to stab her, leaving her feeling like she wanted to die.
Crimmins, aged 39, of Llanrumney in Cardiff, abused his partner through both physical and verbal violence, resulting in the victim feeling isolated and emotionally distressed.
During a court hearing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that the first assault occurred on June 15 when he struck the victim to her head, causing bleeding and swelling.
Another incident on August 21 involved Crimmins putting his hand around her throat and over her nose and mouth, leaving her unable to breathe, while making threatening comments.
On September 26, after a heated argument and the victim requesting Crimmins to leave, he pushed her to the floor and knelt over her, making derogatory comments about her character and her abilities as a mother, continually abusing her verbally.
The victim also described how Crimmins's conduct had a very serious impact on her mental health, including an attempt to overdose.
She felt her emotional well-being was deeply affected, stating that "I am very anxious, I feel stressed and lacking in self-esteem...
My sleep is awful and when I do I am having nightmares, I can't live in my own home because of bad memories and worry someone will come there.
I go out because I have to but if I could hide away I would." She also expressed that Crimmins's manipulation made her think she was going crazy and that she would never recover from what he has done.
Crimmins pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behavior and was sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment, with a restraining order for ten years.
The judge noted that Crimmins had shown no remorse.
The court highlighted his history of 20 previous convictions mainly related to drug and driving offences.
His solicitor argued that his relationship with the victim was relatively short and it was his first domestic abuse offence, with a belief that there is a potential for rehabilitation.
