JONATHAN GRIFFITHS FROM MAESTEG SENTENCED FOR VIOLENT ASSAULT AND DRINK-DRIVING

Jonathan Griffiths, a 52-year-old resident of Pond Mawr, Garth, Maesteg, found himself in legal trouble following a violent incident involving his estranged wife. The assault took place in the driveway of his home, where Griffiths, reportedly heavily intoxicated at the time, engaged in a brutal confrontation with his former partner.

According to court reports, Griffiths grabbed his wife by the throat with enough force to lift her slightly off the ground, making it difficult for her to breathe. Witnesses described him as shouting aggressively, calling her a "liar," and then escalating his aggression by pushing her against his vehicle. The victim managed to break free from his grip and immediately called emergency services for help.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Griffiths in a state of intoxication. A breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol level of 125mg/100ml, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 35mg/100ml. Further investigations uncovered that Griffiths had a prior conviction for intentional strangulation and had previously pleaded guilty to drink-driving offenses.

During the court proceedings, Judge Catherine Richards addressed the seriousness of the assault, emphasizing that strangulation is a particularly cruel and dangerous form of violence often used to exert control and dominance over victims. She sentenced Griffiths to 15 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for 18 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. The court also ordered him to undergo rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programs.

In addition to the assault sentence, Griffiths received an eight-week prison term for the drink-driving offense, which was also suspended. He was further banned from driving for a period of 30 months, reflecting the court’s concern over his dangerous behavior behind the wheel. The combined sentences aim to address both his violent tendencies and alcohol misuse, with the hope of preventing future incidents.