A man in Wales has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for a brutal attack on his partner and a neighbour. Benjamin Bevan has a history of violent offending, with 91 previous offences on his record including unlawful wounding and racially-aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard that Bevan flew into a rage when his partner woke him up from an alcohol- and Valium-induced stupor. He proceeded to punch, throttle, and stamp on her head. Bevan then turned his aggression towards a neighbour who tried to intervene, assaulting him and causing significant injuries.
During the court hearing at Swansea Crown Court, it was revealed that Bevan’s violent outburst occurred in the Penlan area of Swansea in April. His partner suffered a cut lip, swelling, and bruising to her eyes and neck, while the neighbour endured cuts and bruises, as well as a bite on his arm which required medical attention.
Bevan was also found guilty of criminal damage and possession of a Class C drug. His ex-partner shared in an impact statement that she believed she was going to die during the attack and now suffers from flashbacks and nightmares. The neighbour expressed concerns about contracting infections from Bevan and the impact on his son who witnessed the incident.
The court heard that Bevan has a chaotic background, having witnessed domestic abuse as a child and struggled with substance misuse. His defence lawyer stated that Bevan wants to leave behind his troubled past and make positive changes in his life.
Judge Catherine Richards, while sentencing Bevan to three years and nine months in prison, emphasised the need for him to address the root causes of his violent behaviour and break the cycle of reoffending. Bevan will serve at least half of his sentence before being released on licence.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the impact of domestic abuse and the importance of seeking help. Victims of domestic abuse in Wales can access support through helplines such as Live Fear Free and Refuge, offering advice, support, and a safe space to seek help.
The community is urged to be vigilant and report any incidents of domestic abuse or violence to prevent such tragic events from reoccurring.