Man jailed for breaching restraining order
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A man in Wales found himself behind bars after breaching a restraining order that prohibited him from seeing his former partner. Gethin Howells, 38, was serving an 18-month sentence for assaulting, suffocating, and threatening to kill his partner in 2023 when the incident occurred. Despite being released in December of the same year, Howells failed to adhere to the restraining order placed against him. Subsequently, he rekindled his relationship with his former partner, leading to a series of disturbing events.
The court heard that the defendant, Howells, visited his former partner’s home on New Year’s Eve while intoxicated. He proceeded to cause a disturbance by throwing stones at her window. The victim, who felt frightened during the encounter, asked Howells to leave due to his inebriated state and the presence of her sleeping child. However, Howells persisted by banging and kicking her door, demanding the return of his belongings.
Despite the victim’s repeated requests for him to leave, Howells managed to push his way into her flat. The incident escalated further when he returned the next day, hurling stones at her bedroom window and harassing her over the phone. The victim, understandably distressed, contacted the police, leading to Howells’ arrest. The court noted that the victim was left shaken and concerned about her safety.
With a history of violent offences against the victim, including three previous convictions, Howells pleaded guilty to harassment and breaching the restraining order. In light of his actions, Howells’ defence attorney, Adam Sharp, cited his client’s struggles with alcohol and cannabis, further exacerbated by the recent loss of his parents. However, the presiding Judge, Celia Hughes, condemned Howells’ behaviour as a “blatant and persistent breach” of the court order.
The sentencing saw Howells receive a 12-month prison term, highlighting the severity of his actions and the consequences of disregarding legal constraints. The case serves as a stark reminder of the impact of domestic violence and the importance of adhering to restraining orders for the safety of victims. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, resources such as the Live Fear Free helpline offer support and guidance in navigating such challenging situations.
This incident underscores the complexities of domestic relationships and the critical need for intervention to protect individuals at risk. By highlighting cases like these, the hope is to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and encourage proactive measures to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. As the legal system addresses such cases, it is crucial to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of those impacted by domestic abuse.
In conclusion, the story of Gethin Howells serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the repercussions of disregarding legal orders and the lasting effects of domestic violence on survivors. It is imperative to provide comprehensive support to those in vulnerable situations and work towards creating a safer environment for all individuals affected by such challenges.