RHYL MAN FILMED HIS EX ON FLOOR AFTER THROWING CANDLEHOLDER
A MAN from Rhyl threw a stone candleholder at his then-partner’s head, before filming her crawling on the floor with “blood everywhere”.Thomas Bell also repeatedly strangled Michelle Murray and damaged her neighbour’s door.
Bell, 37, of Wellington Road, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for the same time period, at Caernarfon Crown Court today (January 6).
He had previously admitted two counts of intentional strangulation, and one charge each of actual bodily harm and criminal damage to property.
Prosecutor Richard Edwards said Ms Murray had been in an “on-off” relationship with Bell after they had met on social media some years ago.
But last June, police responded to a 999 call from her neighbour, who had heard Bell “screaming and threatening” Ms Murray.
Following Bell’s initial arrest, Ms Murray described numerous incidents of violence towards her from him.
On one occasion, after he became “jealous” of her visiting a friend, he threw the candleholder to her head.
She then crawled to a washing machine to get a towel to stem the flow of blood, which was “everywhere,” while Bell recorded her on the phone.
He “appeared to be enjoying watching her” and showed “no signs of remorse,” which made her feel “worthless”.
Two other incidents involved Bell strangling Ms Murray, once on a staircase and once on a sofa.
Bell also kicked down the door of Dawn Briars, Ms Murray’s downstairs neighbour, after she had heard “screaming and shouting” from upstairs.
In a statement, Ms Murray said she feels “scared” of Bell, has suffered panic attacks, and “only feels safe on her own”.
During his police interview, Bell answered “no comment” to questions asked of him, but gave a prepared a statement denying causing Ms Murray injury.
Bell had six previous convictions for 11 offences and served six months on remand; the equivalent of a 12-month sentence.
He was said to have a cocaine issue, while his guilty pleas were asked to be considered.
Sentencing, Judge Nicola Jones agreed to suspend Bell’s sentence, given the time he has served on remand.
A two-year restraining order was made for Ms Murray’s protection.
Judge Jones reserved Bell’s case to herself, warning him that she will activate his suspended sentence if he breaches it.
