Rhymney man gets suspended sentence after violent attack on ex-partner

RHYMNEY MAN GETS SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER VIOLENT ATTACK ON EX-PARTNER

A dumped boyfriend, Brad Johnson, 30, from Beulah Street in Rhymney, flew into a violent rage when he failed to get into a house party where his former partner was a guest.

He first caused damage by putting a brick through the window of Shannon Lewis's home during a disturbance at the party in Rhymney on April 13 last year.

The following day, Johnson returned and escalated his violence by grabbing Ms Lewis by the throat and slamming her against the door, while also punching her face.

The attack left Ms Lewis with a swollen lip, marks on her throat and shoulder, and significant fear of further violence, which she expressed in her victim impact statement.

Further damage included cracking her door panel and causing £250 worth of damage to her window.

Johnson was found to have 21 previous offences, including three for violence and six for criminal damage.

He admitted to strangulation and criminal damage.

The court sentenced him to a 16-month jail term suspended for 18 months, ordered a 20-day rehabilitation program, 90 days of alcohol abstinence, and £300 in compensation.

Despite his criminal history, the judge noted Johnson's efforts to address his substance abuse issues, including recent cessation of illegal substances and reduced alcohol consumption, and believed there was a realistic prospect for his rehabilitation.