He ‘used and abused’ his partner and left her fearing she would be killed

A man from Rogerstone, Marcus Hadley, was found guilty of a series of violent attacks on his former partner, leaving her traumatised and fearing for her life. The incidents occurred over a two-year period, with the most recent taking place in July 2024. During a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, the victim described her experience as a “living nightmare,” stating that Hadley’s actions had caused her to suffer from symptoms of PTSD and depression. The judge highlighted Hadley’s violent and controlling behaviour, including instances where he strangled the victim and threatened her with a knife.
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According to the prosecution, Hadley’s abusive behaviour towards his partner began as early as July 2022, with the victim enduring a range of terrifying ordeals throughout their relationship. Describing one disturbing incident from January 2023, the judge recounted how Hadley became violent and aggressive towards the victim, accusing her of looking at another man and subsequently attacking her in their hotel room. The culmination of the abuse came in July 2024 when Hadley showed up at the victim’s home intoxicated, physically assaulted her, and threatened her with a knife, leaving her in fear for her life.
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During the sentencing hearing, the victim read out a statement expressing the lasting impact of Hadley’s actions, stating that she no longer trusts people and lives in constant suspicion. She detailed the mental and physical trauma she has endured, including symptoms of PTSD and physical pain resulting from the abuse. In his defence, Hadley’s lawyer acknowledged his client’s struggles with accepting the jury’s verdict but highlighted his efforts to address his issues by abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and relationships.

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Sentencing Hadley to five years in prison for threats to kill and other offences, Judge Daniel Williams condemned the defendant’s behaviour as a “campaign of violence” against the victim. He emphasised the severity of the crimes and deemed immediate custody necessary. The court proceedings shed light on the impact of domestic abuse on victims and underscored the importance of seeking help and support in such situations.

For those affected by abuse, various support agencies and helplines are available to provide assistance and guidance. Services like the Live Fear Free helpline, Bawso, and the National Stalking Helpline offer confidential support for individuals experiencing domestic violence and related issues. Recognising the widespread impact of domestic abuse, these organisations offer multilingual support and operate 24 hours a day to ensure help is accessible to those in need.

The case of Marcus Hadley serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. By sharing the victim’s story and highlighting the support services available, we hope to raise awareness about domestic violence and encourage those affected to seek help and break the cycle of abuse. The court’s decision to sentence Hadley to prison reflects the gravity of his crimes and sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in society.