FAMILY MAN JAILED FOR HORRIFIC DOMESTIC ASSAULT
A man became uncontrollable while walking home from a takeaway with his partner, throwing curry at a wall before engaging in a violent 40-minute assault, a court was told.Michael Williams, residing on Hazel Walk in Cwmbran, strangled his then-girlfriend until she feared for her life.
He dragged her by her hair, hit her with keys, and pressed his knee on her neck, causing injuries that had lasting effects and making her afraid to leave her home.
The victim had been in a seven-month relationship with Williams, who had no prior convictions except for a caution issued in 2001 for harassment.
She believed their relationship was going well.
The attack took place on February 5 after they watched a rugby match at her sister’s house, during which Williams consumed a lot of alcohol.
Prosecutor Jenny Yeo stated: "At 8pm, they were walking to the victim’s address, stopping to pick up curry en route.
During the walk, Williams’ behavior suddenly changed and he threw the curry against a wall.
When she questioned him, he grabbed her by the neck with enough force to make her struggle to breathe." Williams ceased the assault temporarily but resumed once they reached her home.
During the assault, he dragged her by her hair, causing her to fall, and then applied pressure to her throat with his knee, which made her feel as though she was going to lose consciousness.
She described him as extremely angry, with clenched teeth.
He also hit her multiple times with keys and used his knee to threaten her life.
The attack lasted roughly 40 to 45 minutes before Williams left, and she managed to call the police.
Officers found her struggling to breathe, covered in bruises, and she was taken to The Grange University Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a fractured bone near her throat.
She continues to require treatment and endures nightmares, panic attacks, and anxiety about living alone, despite Williams being in prison.
She also describes her home as resembling a crime scene and plans to avoid relationships for a significant period.
Williams admitted to committing grievous bodily harm.
His defense lawyer described him as a “very kind, hardworking, good person,” attributing the incident to an isolated stress response and noting he had no violent history.
He has been in custody since February 17.
The judge called the attack “brutal” and “horrific,” and sentenced Williams to 16 months’ imprisonment, with five months remaining before he is released on license.
