JOHN MORRIS FROM GWYDDELWERN SENTENCED AFTER TERRIFYING THREAT TO KILL PARTNER AND SON IN CORWEN

In a harrowing incident that unfolded in December 2022, John Morris, a 30-year-old man from Gwyddelwern, was involved in a terrifying episode of violence and threats against his partner, Gemma Galvin, and their young son. The incident took place in the village of Erw Fach, near Corwen, and has left a lasting impact on the victims involved.

According to court proceedings at Caernarfon Crown Court, Morris's actions on that day were both aggressive and deeply alarming. The court heard that Morris, who had been in a relationship with Ms. Galvin for ten years, became increasingly agitated after she returned home from visiting her mother at a residential care facility. The couple had taken their son to see Father Christmas the previous day, December 18, but the following day, tensions escalated rapidly.

Prosecutor Dafydd Roberts detailed that upon her return, Ms. Galvin was confronted by Morris, who demanded to know where she had been for four hours. His questions quickly turned hostile, and he began shouting at her. Concerned about their child's well-being, Ms. Galvin warned Morris that his shouting was frightening their son. In response, Morris threatened, “Scaring him? I’ll kill him,” and then physically pushed her, restraining her with his forearm. During this violent confrontation, Morris forcibly took her phone, preventing her from calling emergency services.

The situation took a more sinister turn when Morris produced a knife with a three-inch blade. Court documents reveal that he held the weapon to Ms. Galvin’s throat, shocking her, especially given that Morris had previously expressed disgust towards individuals who carry knives. The prosecutor recounted that Morris shouted, “I will kill you and slit your throat and stab you all over your body,” as Ms. Galvin was visibly shaken and crying. Fearing for her life and that of her son, Ms. Galvin managed to escape the house with her child and ran onto the main road, where a police patrol happened to be nearby. The officers quickly responded and picked up mother and son.

Meanwhile, Morris fled the scene into a nearby woodland area. Law enforcement officers conducted a search and eventually apprehended him in the woods. During police interviews, Morris refused to comment on the allegations, providing no answers to questions posed to him.

Ms. Galvin later submitted a victim statement, describing her fear that she was going to die during the attack. She also revealed that she has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by her general practitioner, a condition that has been exacerbated by the traumatic events. She further disclosed that she had been involved in providing end-of-life care for her mother, adding to the emotional toll of the incident.

In court, Morris admitted to making threats to kill, as well as charges of common assault and harassment. The judge, after considering the evidence and the impact on the victims, sentenced Morris to two years and three months in prison for the threats to kill. No additional penalties were imposed for the assault and harassment charges. However, the court also issued a 15-year restraining order, which prohibits Morris from contacting Ms. Galvin and sets specific conditions to protect her from further harm.

This case highlights the severity of domestic violence incidents and the lasting trauma inflicted on victims, especially when threats of violence escalate to physical threats and weapons. The community in Gwyddelwern and Corwen remains reminded of the importance of addressing such issues promptly and effectively.