MAN JAILED AFTER COERCIVE ABUSE OF PARTNER
Dyfed-Powys Police have released the mugshot of a man who has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after admitting to several charges, including coercive and controlling behavior toward a woman from Pembrokeshire.Patrick Smyth, aged 50 and from Essex, received his sentence at Swansea Crown Court earlier this week from Her Honour Judge Catherine Richards.
The judge stated during sentencing that she did not believe Smyth was likely to be rehabilitated, leading to her decision to impose a 22-month custodial sentence.
The victim, who resides in Pembrokeshire, met Smyth during a holiday in Tunisia.
The couple was together for nearly a year, during which Smyth frequently visited her in Haverfordwest and began to subject her to mental and physical abuse.
His controlling actions included monitoring her mobile phone, restricting her contact with friends and family, and using an app to track her location his username was identified as “powerful666”.
Prosecutors also revealed that Smyth tried to convince the victim he was the artist Banksy by drawing similar artworks and copying his signature.
He also accused her of promiscuity and sleeping with many men.
Smyth was convicted on three counts, with the most serious charge being coercive and controlling behavior.
The court heard of incidents at the Coal Exchange Hotel and while shopping at Morrisons.
Additionally, after being arrested and bailed, Smyth forcibly entered her home, tied her to a chair, turned off the lights, and threatened and assaulted her physically.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman described how these events changed her life, leaving her fearful and socially withdrawn.
The prosecution sought an indefinite restraining order preventing Smyth from entering Pembrokeshire.
The court was told Smyth had pleaded guilty before the victim could give evidence, and his solicitor, Ms Pike, asked the judge to consider his reflections and remorse.
Letters, including one from Smyth’s ex-partner, indicated his actions were out of character, and his incarceration had prompted him to reevaluate his conduct.
Despite these factors, the judge remarked that the violence was extreme and did not see a realistic possibility of rehabilitation.
Smyth received a 22-month jail sentence, with at least half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.
Breaching the licence could result in his return to prison.
Additionally, a restraining order banning Smyth from Pembrokeshire for ten years was imposed.
