Tredegar man given suspended sentence for domestic abuse and assault

AN abusive boyfriend hit his partner with a metal bar and called her fat during a campaign of “humiliating” domestic abuse.Aaron Edwards, 21, from Tredegar, would also punch, kick, and spit at the woman. Emma Harris, prosecuting, said: “He would call her fat and comment on her clothing saying they were too sl***y. The defendant would threaten her with weapons, and he picked up a metal bar and hit her in the shin, causing a bruise.”When their relationship ended, Edwards hurt her cat. The victim was in court to read her impact statement, stating: “I constantly felt trapped and as if I was living in slow motion. The memory of Aaron haunts me. I remember him chasing me up the stairs. Every night I go around checking that all the doors are locked. I do this three or four times. I still have nightmares, I still wake up panicking and crying. He’s still in my dreams. I was very depressed, and it took me a long time to get back into a routine. He has left his mark on me, both physically and mentally. I feel heartbroken at the way he has left me feel.”The defendant, formerly of Green Meadow, admitted engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The offences took place between September 1, 2019, and November 30, 2021.Julia Cox, representing Edwards, said: “The defendant’s life has taken a different course and he has no desire to regain contact with her.” Her barrister added that Edwards started offending when he was just 16, demonstrating a lack of maturity. Edwards now has a new partner and a two-month-old baby. The judge, Recorder Celia Hughes, told Edwards he had “humiliated” his girlfriend and that this was an appalling way to behave. Despite this, she stated there was a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation,” and Edwards was sentenced to 21 months in prison suspended for 18 months. He must attend 35 sessions of an accredited programme and complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity. A five-year restraining order was made to prohibit contact with the victim. Edwards also has to pay £200 costs and a surcharge.