LLANELLI MAN JAILED FOR VIOLENT ASSAULT AND ABUSE OF PARTNER
A judge has described 30-year-old Michael O'Connell as a 'violent bully' who displays childish temper tantrums when he does not get his way.The court heard that he assaulted and emotionally abused his partner, threatening to throw acid over her and repeatedly accusing her of infidelity.
In addition to physical assaults, O'Connell sought to undermine her confidence, grabbing her by the hair, pulling out clumps of her hair, and punching her during multiple incidents in 2023.
One attack involved him confronting her in a bathroom, pushing and shoving her, and putting his hands over her nose and mouth, leaving her with cuts to her lips and nose.
He also pushed her into a coffee table and threw a plastic bottle at her at his home in Llanelli.
The victim's impact statement revealed she has changed drastically since their relationship, losing her outgoing personality and becoming more distrustful.
O'Connell had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) and one count of assault by beating, with a history of 15 previous convictions for 29 offences including battery and grievous bodily harm.
While out on license, he committed these new offences.
The court heard that O'Connell is a civil engineer from Heol y Parc, Cefneithin.
His defense acknowledged his issues and expressed remorse, but the judge condemned his behavior, branding him a 'violent bully' who is 'immaturely jealous.' Judge Paul Thomas KC sentenced him to two years in prison, with the possibility of serving up to half before release on license.
The court emphasized the importance of protecting women from such violent perpetrators.
