An abusive man breached a restraining order when he appeared at his ex-partner’s flat in a frightening incident. Samuel McIlveen, aged 32, had previously been found guilty of assault against his ex-partner and was under a 10-year restraining order. Despite this, he arrived at the victim’s residence in Pontypool around 10 pm on August 31.
During a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that the victim witnessed a branch being thrown at her window and saw McIlveen outside. He aggressively demanded to be let in, shouting, “Let me f****** in,” while attempting to gain access by ringing doorbells to other flats. The prosecutor stated that he shouted through the letterbox, threatening the victim with the chilling words, “I’m going to get you.”
The victim, fearing for her safety, refused to open the door and promptly called the police, leading to several police units responding to the scene. Upon his arrest, McIlveen appeared intoxicated and admitted to officers that he had made a mistake in visiting his ex’s home while under the influence. McIlveen, who is of no fixed abode, later pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order and harassment, with a history of 17 previous convictions.
In a victim personal statement read in court, the victim expressed the impact of the incident on her mental health, detailing increased anxiety and depression, sleep disturbances, and constant fear of further assaults. She described living in constant worry and being on edge, fearing that McIlveen may return to harm her again.
In mitigation, McIlveen’s lawyer acknowledged his client’s desire to move away from the area and address his issues with alcohol misuse, which were identified as underlying factors in his repeated offending. However, during sentencing, Judge Daniel Williams noted the lack of remorse displayed by McIlveen and sentenced him to 18 months in prison, along with extending the restraining order for another 10 years.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, resources and support are available, including the Live Fear Free helpline at 0808 80 10 800. The incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of breaching restraining orders and the lasting impact such actions can have on victims.
The case underscores the importance of addressing issues of domestic violence and ensuring that victims receive the necessary protection and support to break free from abusive situations. It also highlights the need for individuals to seek help and intervention if they are experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse, emphasising the importance of early intervention and prevention in such cases.