A man who initially appeared loving towards his partner eventually became possessive, insulting, and violent, even going so far as to hold her head underwater in one attack. Jason Youde, aged 37, subjected his partner to years of abusive behavior, causing her to be triggered by sudden movements and loud noises after physical beatings and drowning incidents. The victim expressed feeling like her true self was “caged” during the relationship, leaving her overwhelmed by emptiness. The court heard that the relationship started as “loving and happy,” but Youde’s behavior changed as he began drinking excessively, becoming jealous, possessive, and frequently resorting to violence.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Youde would control various aspects of his partner’s life, from inspecting her phone to dictating her clothing choices and isolating her from friends and family. He resorted to calling her derogatory names such as “slag,” “slut,” and “damaged goods.” The abuse escalated to physical violence, with Youde hitting and punching her regularly, even in front of her children. Despite the toxic nature of the relationship, the victim would repeatedly return to Youde, hoping for a positive change that never materialized. The final straw came when an incident at a caravan park left the victim with bruises, facial swelling, and a black eye.
According to Judge Jeremy Jenkins, some of the acts of violence displayed by Youde were callous and sadistic, such as holding his partner’s head underwater knowing her fear of drowning or expressing desires to see the life drain from her eyes. The defendant’s history of violence included breaching his license and reoffending upon his release. Youde, who resides on Ynyscynon Road, was found guilty of intentional suffocation, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behavior following a trial.
In a victim personal statement read in court, the victim expressed a range of emotions, from anger at being chosen for abuse and manipulation to a desire for peace and self-worth. The lasting impact of the abuse extended beyond physical injuries to emotional scars, triggering anxiety, isolation, and a struggle to rebuild her identity and trust in others. Despite maintaining his innocence, Youde’s mental illness, diagnosed as PTSD and ADHD, was cited as contributing factors to his behavior.
Ultimately, Youde was sentenced to four years in prison with an extended two-year license period and a five-year restraining order. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic abuse and the importance of seeking help. Helplines such as Live Fear Free and Refuge offer support and guidance to those impacted by domestic violence, providing a lifeline for individuals in need of assistance. It is crucial to raise awareness of such cases and encourage victims to speak out and seek help to break the cycle of abuse.