NORTH WALES ‘THUG’ THREW CAT AT EX-PARTNER AND ‘RAINED PUNCHES’ ON HER
A MAN from Rhos-on-Sea “rained punches” on his former partner in Wrexham, who he also threw a cat at and strangled.Rhys Roberts, 18, of Cysgod Y Bryn, was also removed from a train as a result of his behaviour while on board in a separate incident months earlier.
Roberts was told he is “developing into a violent thug” at Mold Crown Court today (November 19), where he was sentenced to 22 months’ detention, suspended for two years.
He previously admitted charges of obstructing a train, threatening behaviour, intentional strangulation, and actual bodily harm.
Prosecutor Amy Edwards said on March 17, Roberts boarded a train at Colwyn Bay, having been seen by a member of staff, Gillian Whitby, to kick the train before boarding it.
Roberts was then “shouting and swearing” on the phone while on the train, leading other passengers to move away from him.
As a result of his behaviour, and the fact he did not have a train ticket, Roberts was asked to leave the train, but refused.
Ms Whitby sought assistance from the train driver, who took Roberts’ phone from him.
Roberts then “lashed out” at the driver, repeatedly hitting him after a “sustained period of arguing” with Ms Whitby, before kicking out at her.
He was eventually removed from the train, but then pulled an emergency lever and jumped back on board.
The train was delayed by 63 minutes, and more than £1,100 was paid out in compensation claims because of Roberts’ behaviour.
Roberts was arrested after being located on March 28 – when he was interviewed that day, he claimed he had been “grabbed randomly by the neck” before his phone was taken.
Then, while still on bail on August 4, Roberts breached a restraining order by being in the company of his partner, Willow Andrews, in Wrexham.
At about 1am, he struck her to the face with “considerable force,” before later throwing a cat and pile of washing at her.
He later repeatedly hit her to her face and kicked her, and put his forearm across her throat to restrict her breathing.
Police were called, and Roberts told officers Ms Andrews and her friend had, in fact, attacked him and prevented him from leaving.
Roberts’ only previous conviction was for an offence of battery, after inflicting multiple punches on Ms Andrews to the head.
Representing him, Gareth Bellis asked the court to consider Roberts’ guilty pleas, and the fact he is “lightly convicted.” Mr Bellis described Roberts as “clearly very immature,” and as someone who had a “traumatic childhood.” He added that Roberts is in employment, working as a parcel sorter for Yodel.
Sentencing, Recorder Greg Bull told Roberts he behaved “like a young hooligan” on the train, and “rained punches” on Ms Andrews.
Restricting her breathing “must have frightened the wits out of her,” he said.
Recorder Bull also warned Roberts he is “developing into a violent thug.” He said Roberts’ behaviour on these two occasions was disgraceful, especially towards train staff who aren’t paid to put up with violence.
The judge noted that Roberts was on bail for the earlier incident, but told him there is a chance at rehabilitation if he takes it.
Roberts will complete 20 days’ rehabilitation activity and 150 hours’ unpaid work.
