A bully repeatedly punched his ex-partner and continued to assault her while she was on the phone to the police. He laughed at her during the assault and told her: "No-one will ever believe you anyway."
Craig Griffiths, 45, got in contact with his ex-partner and asked if he could stay at her house as he was homeless. The victim agreed and they spent the evening together initially without event.
A sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Wednesday heard the defendant had been drinking and he suddenly began to shout about the victim's ex-partner saying she had been texting him, which was untrue. He then got up, stood over the victim, and punched her to the face. F or the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter here.
During the assault he punched her phone and caused it to smash. The victim said she didn't know how many times Griffiths hit her but during the attack he started to laugh and told her to call the police.
While the victim was on the phone to the police the defendant continued to assault her and hit her another two or three times. He said to her: "No-one will ever believe you anyway."
The defendant left the address before the police arrived but he messaged her saying: "Everyone is going to see the liar you are. Tell the police you are a slag." She also received two phone calls from him but she did not answer.
As a result of the assault the victim suffered an injury to her left cheek, a small cut to the back of her head, bruises to her left eyelid, and pain to her mouth. In a victim personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Nick Gedge the victim said: "[Griffiths'] behaviour has had a huge impact on my life... I feel so hurt and embarrassed. The physical injuries have healed but the mental impact is long-lasting. I became used to his behaviour... I am fearful in my own home, fearful he will turn up and hurt me, fearful of seeing him even though I knew he won't be there, I avoid [certain areas] at all costs. I don't wake up or get out of bed unless I am working... I don't want him in my life ever again. I feel stronger. I no longer feel like a victim at the hands of Craig."
How to access free domestic abuse helplines in Wales
If you, a family member, or a friend have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for free advice and support, or to talk through your options. Call 0808 80 10 800, text 0786 007 7333, email info@livefearfreehelpline.wales or go to gov.wales/live-fear-free
Live Fear Free (funded by Welsh Government and run by Welsh Women’s Aid) is a confidential service. Calls to 0808 80 numbers are free to call from landlines and mobile phones in the UK. They do not appear on itemised bills. The helpline provides support in English and Welsh, and access to an interpreter for callers with language support needs.
The Refuge charity also provides information, support and practical help 24 hours a day to women experiencing domestic violence. The service can refer women and children to refuges throughout the UK to help them escape domestic abuse. Refuge can be called on 0808 808 9999.
Griffiths, of Gadlys Street, Aberdare, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage. The court heard he has five previous convictions for offences including battery and criminal damage.
In mitigation Richard Ace said his client's life had been dominated by alcohol and when in drink he behaves in an "abhorrent way". Since his remand in prison the defendant has been alcohol-free and is working to deal with his issues, the court was told.
Judge Lucy Crowther sentenced Griffiths to 17 months imprisonment. He was also made subject to a restraining order for five years.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse visit the Live Fear Free website or call the helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
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