WREXHAM MAN SENTENCED TO 21 MONTHS FOR STRANGLING EX-PARTNER IN JEALOUS RAGE

A man from Wrexham, Ricky Harper, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for strangling his former partner following an incident driven by jealousy. Harper, aged 24, from Galaxy Grove in Brynteg, appeared before Mold Crown Court on December 10 after previously admitting to the charges of intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). The court heard that Harper and his partner, Lucy Wynne, had a tumultuous relationship spanning approximately seven years, characterized by periods of affection and abuse. The incident occurred after Ms Wynne was out drinking with a friend on August 27, when Harper became envious after another man complimented her. The jealousy persisted into the early hours of August 28, during which Ms Wynne asked Harper what had upset him. Harper responded with a threat, saying, "I'll punch your head in." Later that night, while in bed, Ms Wynne asked Harper what she had done wrong; Harper then pinned her down, grabbing her around the throat with both hands and restricting her breathing for a few minutes. He also placed her in a headlock, punched her in the face, and stamped on her stomach once when she fell. Harper then dragged her toward the front door by her hair. When her mother arrived, she saw that Ms Wynne had a swollen right eye and blood flowing from her mouth. Harper was arrested immediately afterward and chose to remain silent during police interviews. Ms Wynne provided a victim personal statement, revealing that she has struggled with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks since the assault, and that she has been unable to leave her home without someone with her, living in constant fear. Medical examinations confirmed torn tissue in her neck, with her throat being extremely sore, swollen, and necessitating steroid treatment. Harper’s defense acknowledged his remorse, stating that he understood his actions were wrong and was ashamed. The judge described Harper’s behavior as "cowardly and controlling," and sentenced him to 21 months in prison for the strangulation, with no separate penalty for the ABH charge. Additionally, a restraining order was imposed for five years. North Wales Police Sergeant Rhys Gough condemned the attack, emphasizing that violence against women is unacceptable and highlighting Ms Wynne’s bravery in reporting the incident, urging victims to come forward and seek help.