A former Gwent Police officer, Huw Orphan, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for brutally assaulting his wife, leaving her with serious injuries, including a fractured spine. The incidents occurred in Newport in January and April 2020, with the second assault resulting in Orphan kicking his wife down the stairs of their home.
Orphan, 32, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. The court heard that the couple’s relationship had deteriorated, leading to regular arguments over trivial matters. The first assault took place in January 2020 when Orphan pushed his wife to the floor, causing her to hit her head on furniture and leaving bruises on her arms.
In April 2020, tensions escalated further when Orphan kicked his wife down the stairs during an argument in their Barry home, resulting in a fractured spine for the victim. Despite initially believing she had a fractured rib, the severity of the pain led her to seek medical attention, revealing the extent of the injuries caused by Orphan.
During the sentencing, Recorder of Cardiff Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence offences and handed Orphan a custodial sentence. Following his dismissal from the police force, Orphan’s defence lawyer, Julian King, highlighted concerns about his client’s ability to cope in prison and his need to pursue a different career for support.
In a victim personal statement, the victim expressed the ongoing physical and emotional impact of the assaults, including mobility issues, sleep disturbances, and mental health struggles. She described the debilitating effects on her daily life and the lasting trauma caused by the incidents.
After the sentencing, t/chief constable Mark Hobrough condemned Orphan’s actions, stating that there is no place for domestic violence perpetrators in the police force or communities. He commended the victim for her courage in coming forward and encouraged others facing abuse to seek support and justice.
The Crown Prosecution Service reinforced their commitment to prosecuting domestic abuse offenders, emphasizing the gravity of Orphan’s actions despite his former position in the community. The case serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
This case sheds light on the devastating consequences of domestic violence and underscores the need for robust measures to combat such abuse within relationships. The victim’s bravery in speaking out against her assailant serves as a reminder of the strength required to confront and overcome such traumatic experiences.