THOMAS HEALION FROM NEWPORT SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND BREAK-INS IN NEWPORT

A man described as a 'dangerous and violent' domestic abuser has been handed a two-year prison sentence following a series of disturbing incidents involving his former partner in Newport. Thomas Healion, aged 40, residing on York Place in Newport, was found guilty of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour over a period of 16 months, during which he subjected his ex-girlfriend to relentless harassment and threats.

During a court hearing at Newport Crown Court on March 4, it was revealed that Healion's actions included obsessive accusations that his ex was involved with other men. He would break into her home during the night, often ensuring she was alone and vulnerable. Witnesses testified that she would frequently wake up to find Healion sleeping beside her in her bed, despite the fact that he was under bail conditions explicitly forbidding any contact with her. Despite these restrictions, Healion continued to pursue her, including waiting outside her residence for her to return from work, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and her safety.

The court heard that in November 2024, Healion took further invasive steps by removing wooden panels from her garden fence, which he knew would give him access to her garden shed. Once inside, he made threatening remarks, telling her she was 'lucky he didn’t catch her with anyone else' and threatening to 'slit her throat.' He also called her a 'rat' during this confrontation. The victim received disturbing messages from Healion, in which he expressed hopes that she would die of AIDS and threatened to 'fill her in with a left hook.'

Healion’s criminal history is extensive, with prior arrests and convictions for violence. He has previously been convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2022, as well as battery in 2014 and 2012. His pattern of violent behaviour and domestic abuse was acknowledged by the court, which noted that he has a long-standing history of such offences.

During the proceedings, his legal representatives argued that Healion has been working on addressing his alcohol addiction while in custody, which they claimed was linked to his violent tendencies. However, Judge Carl Harrison was not convinced by these claims, emphasizing that Healion is a prolific offender with a clear pattern of domestic violence and that he was not accepting any blame-shifting.

As a result, the judge sentenced Healion to two years in prison. Additionally, an indefinite restraining order was issued to protect the victim from further contact. Healion is expected to serve half of his sentence in custody before being released on licence, with the remainder to be served under supervision. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his actions and the ongoing threat he poses to his former partner.