A man brutally attacked his ex-wife’s mother with a single punch after illegally showing up at her residence, a court heard. Brandon Wood, aged 30, violated a restraining order when he arrived at his ex-wife’s mother’s home in Brecon on July 19, 2022, demanding to see his daughter. The violent encounter left both victims with facial injuries. Wood’s ex-wife was shocked to see him in the kitchen with another man, feeling petrified and intimidated by his unexpected presence.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Wood’s ex-wife and her mother’s partner confronted him and escorted him out of the house. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, a scuffle ensued between Wood and the mother’s partner. Neighbours witnessed the altercation as Wood continued to throw punches, leading to his ex-wife’s mother stepping in to intervene. Unfortunately, Wood struck her with a single punch, causing her to fall unconscious briefly.
The victim described feeling disoriented and in immense pain after the attack, with visible injuries including a closed eye, bleeding, and a cut above her eye. Meanwhile, the mother’s partner sustained injuries to his face and jaw. Wood, who is currently incarcerated at HMP Cardiff, was apprehended with MDMA in his possession. Although he initially claimed self-defence, Wood later pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, battery, and breaching the restraining order.
During sentencing, Recorder Celia Hughes condemned the incident as appalling and characterised the assault as prolonged. Wood was handed a 33-month prison sentence and a new restraining order as a consequence of his actions. Despite requests for a custody photo from Dyfed-Powys Police, none was provided at the time. The court disclosed that Wood had a history of 17 prior convictions, including offences such as assault occasioning actual bodily harm, battery, and assaulting an emergency worker.
In conclusion, the court proceedings shed light on the severe consequences of domestic disputes and the importance of upholding restraining orders to protect individuals from harm. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for accountability and the enforcement of legal boundaries to prevent such tragedies from occurring.