Drunken Wrexham Man Jailed for Threatening Fire and Assaulting Wife

A drunken man named David Thornley, aged 42, from Shellbrook Drive in Ruabon, was jailed for making a threat to set fire to a house and for assaulting his wife. Thornley aimed to frighten those inside by pouring petrol through a window, which he claimed was solely to scare them, not to burn down the house. During the incident, Thornley, in a drunken state, produced a petrol container and pushed a nozzle through the window, leading to a struggle with the householder who noticed petrol on his arm. The house occupants were described as 'absolutely terrified,' fearing a fire. Thornley was intercepted by police as he left with the petrol can, telling officers he 'only wanted to scare them.' He also had a lighter in his pocket. Previously, Thornley had convictions for assault and threat to kill in 2013, with records indicating multiple hospital visits for injuries inflicted by him on his wife, including a suspected fracture to her eye socket after being punched in the face. The couple's relationship was described as volatile and Thornley had admitted to serious offences out of remorse. The judge sentenced Thornley to 21 months in prison and imposed a five-year restraining order not to approach his wife or her family. Thornley's wife had retracted her complaint, but police emphasized that domestic abuse remains a serious issue, and they continue to support victims. The incident highlighted the dangers of drunken aggression and domestic violence, with authorities urging victims to seek help.