MAN PUNCHED GIRLFRIEND IN FACE DURING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT

A man named Phillip Lee Davies, aged 23, from Heol Dewi Sant, Betws, was involved in an incident during which he assaulted his girlfriend, Sarah Griffiths. The court heard that Davies wrapped Christmas tree lights around his neck and removed his girlfriend’s glasses before punching her in the face three times during an argument. The incident was part of a pattern of controlling and abusive behavior.

Victoria Walker, prosecuting, stated that Sarah Griffiths had a daughter and described Davies as very controlling: "He wouldn’t let her out on her own. He would lock her in the house if he went out."

Two weeks prior to the assault, the couple had split but reconciled, and on November 29, Davies reportedly threatened self-harm, wrapping Christmas lights around his neck and acting as if he had blacked out after falling to the floor. During the subsequent police intervention, Davies pushed Griffiths into a wall, snatched her phone, pushed her again, causing her to fall, and then punched her in the face while she was asking him to leave her alone. She suffered two black eyes and a swollen face. Afterwards, Davies told Griffiths he loved her before jumping out of a window and fleeing.

He was arrested and during an interview claimed that he had hit her because she was nagging him and that he was a former boxer who knew how hard to hit.

Chris White, defending, said Davies was remorseful and clarified that he had never held a professional boxing license, having only trained at a gym. Davies also expressed regret for his previous ambitions to join the Army, which were thwarted by allergies.

The court sentenced Davies to a four-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to complete a 12-month supervision program including 180 hours of unpaid work. He was also issued a restraining order against Griffiths, ordered to pay £200 in compensation, and £85 in court costs.