A pregnant woman tragically lost one of her twins just a week after being attacked by her ex-partner, a court in Wales heard. The incident, as reported by Wales Online, occurred when Matthew Williams, 35, assaulted his former partner, who was heavily pregnant with twins, causing a deep wound to her arm. The victim, who had already given birth to five children with Williams, was at about 24 weeks of pregnancy when the assault took place in September 2023. The court revealed that Williams, from Swansea, had been in an on-and-off relationship with the victim for 15 years before the attack occurred.
During the incident, which unfolded at the victim’s residence, Williams became irate after seeing his ex holding his phone. He grabbed the victim’s phone, which was charging on the sofa, and in a fit of anger, snapped it, causing glass to shatter and injure the victim’s arm. The attack was described as unprovoked, with the victim sustaining a deep wound due to the glass shards. The victim went into premature labor about a week later, resulting in the loss of one of the twins she was carrying. Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini highlighted that the midwife who was at the victim’s home for an examination had no concerns about the pregnancy before the assault took place.
In court, Williams pleaded guilty to criminal damage and actual bodily harm, acknowledging that he had been reckless in his actions. His lawyer, Ryan Bowen, emphasised that Williams had no prior convictions and that the incident was out of character for him. The court was informed that the loss of the baby had a traumatic impact on Williams. Despite the severity of the incident, Judge Geraint Walters opted to sentence Williams to an 18-month community order. The sentence includes 180 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation activities focusing on anger management, and a five-year restraining order against the victim.
The victim, in an impact statement, expressed the emotional toll of the attack and subsequent loss of a child. She shared, “I not only had the death of a child to cope with but I was trying to rebuild my life following an abusive relationship while also raising children. It has been very hard.” The judge noted the gravity of the situation, expressing surprise that Williams, with no prior criminal record, had engaged in such behavior. Judge Walters condemned the attack as “completely inexcusable” and stressed the need for accountability.
The case shed light on the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the lasting impact it can have on victims and their families. The victim’s harrowing experience serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing such issues and providing support to those affected by abuse. The court’s decision to impose a stringent community order underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are treated and the need for individuals to be held accountable for their actions.
This story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching effects of domestic abuse and the critical importance of seeking help and support in such situations. The victim’s courage in coming forward and sharing her experience highlights the strength and resilience required to navigate such challenging circumstances. It is essential for society to continue working towards creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals impacted by domestic violence, ensuring that they receive the care and protection they deserve.