JAMESTON MAN SENTENCED AFTER HITTING PARTNER WITH DRAWER DURING DOMESTIC ARGUMENT

Kelvin Hughes, aged 44, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with unlawful wounding after an incident at an address in Jameston. Prosecutor Alexandra Wilson explained that Hughes and his former partner had been in an on-and-off relationship for roughly six years. The incident occurred shortly before midnight on September 21, when the couple, both intoxicated and watching TV, had an argument described as involving a petty disagreement. During the altercation, Hughes took a drawer and swung it at his partner, hitting her on the forehead. The police were called, but the victim did not seek immediate hospital treatment due to ambulance delays. Hughes was arrested two days later at his father's residence. In his police interview, he claimed that he had thrown the drawer over his shoulder, which must have hit the victim. Hughes pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, with a court hearing that he had one previous conviction for drink-driving. His lawyer, Craig Jones, emphasized that Hughes had no prior history of violence towards women or anyone else, acknowledging the seriousness of the offence which crossed custody thresholds. Hughes had already served approximately two months in custody, equating to a four-month sentence. The judge, Catherine Richards, sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. Hughes was also ordered to complete 31 sessions of an accredited programme, adhere to a 60-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement, undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and pay £600 in compensation. The charge of strangulation was denied by Hughes, and the prosecution did not pursue this charge, resulting in a not guilty verdict. The court noted the nature of the injuries inflicted and the fact that Hughes was in a relationship with the victim when the incident occurred.