RISCA MAN JAILED FOR STRANGLING EX-GIRLFRIEND AND ASSAULTING HER OUTSIDE PUB
Darren Williams, aged 39 and residing in Risca, carried out a violent drunken attack on his former partner outside the Barley Mow pub in the village of Graig Penllyn near Cowbridge.The defendant also headbutted and slapped the victim, Mari Watkins.
The assault occurred following the end of their brief two-month relationship.
On February 7, 2024, the night of the incident, Mari was socializing at the pub.
Williams was behaving unpredictably and was intoxicated, prompting her to offer him a ride home.
During the journey, he attempted to exit the moving vehicle, pulled the handbrake, and hurled offensive names at her.
When they returned to the pub, he forcibly dragged her out by her hair after she had locked herself inside her car and refused to hand over the keys.
After severely assaulting her, he drove away.
Williams admitted to the charges of intentional strangulation and assault causing actual bodily harm.
He has a history of seven prior convictions spanning 13 offenses, including battery and drink driving.
He was sentenced to 27 months in prison, suspended for three years, and was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service, attend a 25-day rehabilitation program, undergo a 100-day alcohol abstinence monitoring order, and adhere to a five-year restraining order.
