MAN WHO THREATENED TO KILL PARTNER IS JAILED
Joseph Parry from Bryn Offa, Ponciau, appeared before Mold Crown Court on Tuesday, December 16, to be sentenced for controlling and coercive behavior.The 32-year-old had previously admitted to these offenses, which involved his former partner Heather Hughes.
According to prosecutor Richard Edwards, the incidents stretched from October 2023 to October 2025, involving Miss Hughes, who had recently ended a 17-year relationship.
Parry conveyed to Miss Hughes his hope for a serious relationship, including marriage and children.
She, however, was not seeking a committed relationship at that time and believed Parry understood her perspective.
She was hesitant to introduce him to her children and found out he had been dating two other women, a situation Parry attributed to her reluctance to commit.
Throughout their relationship, Parry threatened to "ruin her life" and told her she "would never get rid of him." He used intimidation tactics, including threats to reveal their relationship to her children, which she wished to keep secret, leading her to maintain contact.
He frequently visited her home unannounced, especially when her children were away or asleep, and in the later months, he would show up unexpectedly.
Miss Hughes received excessive messages and calls—more than 100 texts and 30-40 calls in a day.
One morning, she found she had 88 missed calls and numerous messages from him.
His abusive behavior included verbal insults and emotional outbursts when frustrated, as well as accusing her of infidelity and threatening violence against any men she might date.
He also prevented her from having male friends and scrutinised her social media followers, urging some to avoid her.
On a few occasions, he waited in his car when she was at work or at home, causing her significant anxiety.
In September, after she tried to distance herself, he tracked her and made disturbing threats via a video call, including threats to burn her house and kill her.
Feeling she needed to keep the peace, Miss Hughes found herself increasingly miserable and exhausted.
She sought police help using Claire's Law in October, which led to reports of Parry's behavior.
Parry, who had previous domestic abuse convictions, was arrested but refused to answer questions during police interviews.
In her personal statement, Miss Hughes shared her struggles with anxiety, sleep problems, panic attacks, and PTSD, describing how her life changed since meeting Parry.
Legal representation for Parry, Paulinus Barnes, read a letter from him expressing remorse and regret for his actions, acknowledging he was not the person he should be.
Barnes highlighted Parry's role as caregiver for his unwell father and his efforts to run his father's business, noting that his detention would negatively impact his family and their financial situation.
Judge Timothy Petts voiced doubts about Parry's likelihood of rehabilitation and sentenced him to 22 months in prison, with half of that term to be served initially.
A 10-year restraining order was also imposed to prevent contact with Miss Hughes.
