MAN STRANGLED AND PUNCHED PARTNER UNTIL SHE FELT BLOOD IN HER MOUTH
Nathan Jones, aged 36 from Aberdulais near Neath, was convicted of assaulting his partner at her residence on April 4.During the incident, he strangled her and repeatedly struck her, to the extent that she described feeling the warmth of blood in her mouth.
The victim also reported Jones threatened to kill her, though he later claimed to have no recollection of the attack.
The court hearing at Cardiff Crown Court revealed that Jones had gone to the bathroom, when he was heard shouting, "Are you f****** serious, are you for real?" Before the assault, he stormed upstairs and assaulted his partner repeatedly, punching her in the face.
She attempted to protect herself with her arms, but he grabbed and pushed her arms away, then shouted at her, questioning her actions and suggesting she was mocking him.
Jones struck her again in the face, causing her to spit blood and feel heat from the injuries in her mouth.
He also strangled her using both hands, cutting off her airway.
The victim described Jones being in a "rage," with clenched fists and gritted teeth.
After the attack, she screamed for help, prompting a neighbour to call the police.
Jones then began smashing bottles, plates, and glasses in anger.
When a neighbour arrived and told him to leave, he responded dismissively, saying, "Shut up, I have spent a lot of money on her." before threatening her with the statement, "I am going to kill you." Jones had already left the scene by the time police arrived but was later apprehended in Cardiff’s St Mary Street.
During arrest, he was cautioned and responded dismissively, saying, "Stop wasting my time." In police interviews, he claimed intoxication prevented his memory of the assault and stated, "She's got no reason to lie, I can't remember anything." in response to his partner’s accusations.
He admitted to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.
The court noted that Jones had 18 prior convictions, including battering, common assault, criminal damage, and similar assaults causing bodily harm.
In her victim personal statement, the woman indicated she was still struggling psychologically and had sought hospital treatment following panic attacks.
She disclosed her diagnosis of an unstable personality disorder, which affects her mental state and trust in men.
She expressed feeling betrayed and fearful, particularly since the assault occurred in her perceived safe space, leading her to avoid leaving her home and stating her resolve to reject domestic violence.
Sentencing judge Recorder Alun Eynon-Evans acknowledged that alcohol played a significant role in Jones’ offending and that his chances of rehabilitation in the community were limited.
Jones received a prison sentence of 19 months and was also ordered to adhere to a five-year restraining order.
