A terrifying incident unfolded on Father’s Day in Newport, Wales, when a man named Richard Randall, after spending the day out with his wife and three-year-old son, flew into a rage upon returning home. The court heard that Randall, aged 35, had been drinking during the family outing on June 16 and, in the evening, made drunken remarks about his wife lying to him. He then threatened his wife, saying, “She’s lied to me again,” followed by warning, “no one is leaving.”
His wife, fearing for her safety, sought refuge with a neighbour to locate a runaway dog. Upon her return, she found Randall still at home, prompting her to ask the neighbour to call the police. When Randall’s wife confronted him in their son’s bedroom, he picked up a pillow and placed it over the sleeping child’s face. She managed to intervene before any harm came to the child, but Randall then proceeded to violently assault his wife by punching her multiple times, resulting in a broken nose and cuts to her face.
Police arrived shortly after, finding the victim injured on the floor while Randall stood over her with a bottle of cider in hand. Randall admitted to officers that he had “lashed out.” Despite the traumatic experience, their son remained unharmed, sleeping through the ordeal. The victim, who had been in a 20-year relationship with Randall, sustained a serious nose fracture requiring potential surgery. She expressed her shock and heartbreak, describing the evening as a nightmare.
In a statement, she detailed the emotional toll the incident had taken on her, causing anxiety, sleep disturbances, and financial hardship due to her inability to work effectively. She highlighted her husband’s struggles with alcoholism and depression, emphasising her hope for his recovery and willingness to co-parent their child, emphasising the need for a restraining order as a safety precaution. Randall pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, acknowledging the irreparable damage caused to their marriage.
During the sentencing, Randall’s barrister conveyed his remorse and acknowledgment of the pain he inflicted on his wife. Despite attributing some blame to the victim, Randall understood the gravity of his actions and expressed a desire for redemption. The court noted his previous criminal record, including instances of violence and drink-driving, aggravating the current offence.
Judge Daniel Williams, considering the severity of the assault in a domestic context and the presence of a child, sentenced Randall to 18 months in prison. The court’s decision reflected a lack of confidence in Randall’s commitment to rehabilitation, with concerns raised about his history of violent behaviour. The victim’s plea for safety and accountability underscored the devastating impact of alcohol-related violence on families, highlighting the need for support and intervention to break the cycle of abuse.