KARATE ENTHUSIAST CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC ASSAULT

Jonathan Ashman, aged 31, from Evans Terrace, Blaenclydach, admitted to assaulting Sarah Price by beating her at Rhondda Magistrates Court. The incident occurred after a six-year relationship characterized by control and jealousy. On November 3, Ms Price returned home from her mother’s house to find the house in disarray with dirty dishes and ash on the carpet. Ashman, who was controlling and jealous, began questioning her about her whereabouts, her clothing, and her phone. During the confrontation, he started punching furniture, throwing items, punching Ms Price in the ribs, and kicking her leg. Despite Ms Price being a black belt in karate, she did not retaliate out of fear of harsher violence. A heated argument ensued, leading Ms Price to threaten to leave him after their lease ended. Ashman then slammed the front door, but Ms Price escaped through the back and called her mother to contact police. He was promptly arrested. The prosecution, led by Kelly Smith, presented the case, highlighting Ashman’s controlling behavior. His defense lawyer, Pat Matthews, noted Ashman was battling depression and significant debt, and acknowledged he had pushed Ms Price, causing injury, expressing remorse and a reevaluation of his life. The magistrates required confirmation of Ashman’s fitness from his GP before sentencing, which was postponed.