NEWTOWN MAN AVOIDS PRISON AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK ON EX-WIFE
A man identified as David Cross, living in Ffordd Eglwys, Newtown, avoided imprisonment after he attacked his ex-wife by repeatedly kicking her in the head during the early hours of February 5.The incident happened after they had been drinking together at his residence, and the ex-wife had accused him of inappropriate behavior towards his current partner, who was carried upstairs when she became intoxicated and unwell.
During the assault, Cross became enraged and assaulted her by punching her in the head, pulling her hair, and pushing her into the bathroom where she fell.
Despite her resistance, he continued to stamp on her head, back, and leg, while his current partner attempted to intervene and pull him away.
The woman sustained injuries including a black eye, a cut above her eyebrow, bruising, and pain that caused her to limp.
She later required hospital treatment for a hemorrhage behind her eye, blurred vision, and difficulty walking, and reported increased anxiety and fear of her ex.
Cross pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm and was sentenced to 14 months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to keep away from her for five years, complete 20 days of rehabilitation, perform 150 hours of unpaid work over 18 months, and pay an £87 victim surcharge along with £1,000 in compensation.
His legal representative stated that Cross, who has no prior convictions, is working towards rehabilitation, poses no risk to the public, and adheres to court directives, highlighting the need for community-based intervention due to his compliance and remorse.
Judge Rhys Rowlands acknowledged the seriousness of the attack but took into account the circumstances, his early guilty plea, remorse, and efforts at rehabilitation, which contributed to the decision to suspend the custodial sentence, considering the act out of character for Cross.
