DECLAN PITMAN'S VIOLENT OUTBURST IN MAESTEG LEADS TO EIGHT-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE

A 24-year-old man named Declan Pitman from Maesteg found himself at the center of a serious assault incident that stemmed from a domestic dispute involving theft and threats over a pet dog. The troubling events unfolded after the victim, who is his former partner, attempted to recover her stolen American bulldog from Pitman's residence. The woman had previously experienced signs of jealousy from Pitman during their relationship, which ultimately ended amid accusations of infidelity. Following their breakup, she moved out to her mother's house but continued to care for the dog, which was a significant part of her life.

On March 8, the woman visited her former address in Maesteg with the intention of retrieving her dog. Upon arrival, she was shocked to find that the dog was missing. Soon after, she received threatening messages demanding a sum of £5,000, accompanied by threats of death if she did not comply. The situation escalated when she returned to the property in Maesteg to confront Pitman and recover her pet. It was during this confrontation that the incident turned violent.

Prosecutor Gareth James provided details of the assault, explaining that the woman approached the property to retrieve her dog and managed to grab it by the collar. At that moment, Pitman reacted aggressively, headbutting her with considerable force and causing her significant pain. The force of the headbutt was described as severe, and the victim was left with an injury to her forehead. During the altercation, she managed to push Pitman onto the sofa and then left the scene with her dog, immediately calling the police for assistance. Fortunately, she did not sustain any injuries requiring medical treatment.

Following her report, Pitman was arrested by law enforcement authorities. Initially, he denied any assault, but subsequent legal proceedings led him to plead guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The case was heard in court before Judge Hywel James, who sentenced Pitman to eight months in prison. Additionally, the court imposed a five-year restraining order to prevent any further contact or harassment involving the victim. The incident highlights the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into violence, especially when involving threats and the protection of pets, which can often be a source of emotional distress and conflict.