Gareth Morgan, a 29-year-old man from Aberdare, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison after subjecting his partner to a campaign of abuse that left her fearing for her life. The sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard that Morgan’s extreme jealousy and violent nature led to him strangling and punching his partner, leaving her isolated and terrified. The victim, whose identity has been withheld, endured horrific assaults where she genuinely believed she would die at the hands of Morgan.
The series of violent incidents began in a Hilton Hotel in Canary Wharf, London, on January 22, 2022. An argument between the couple escalated into physical violence, with Morgan punching the victim multiple times in the face, leading her to fear for her life. Shockingly, she later discovered she was pregnant at the time of the assault, adding an even more distressing layer to the abuse.
On separate occasions, Morgan headbutted the victim, strangled her, and physically restrained her from returning to work. His controlling behaviour extended to manipulating her contact with friends and family, convincing her to cut ties with loved ones in order to maintain his power and control over her. The victim was constantly in fear of Morgan’s volatile behaviour and endured verbal abuse and threats from him even after she ended the relationship.
In a victim personal statement read in court, the victim shared the profound impact of the abuse on her mental health, including social anxiety and depression. She expressed feelings of guilt for isolating herself from her support network and described the ongoing nightmares and trauma she experienced as a result of Morgan’s violent actions. Despite her attempts to block him on all platforms, Morgan persisted in harassing and threatening her, demonstrating a complete disregard for her safety and well-being.
Morgan, who pleaded guilty to charges including controlling and coercive behaviour, intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), and criminal damage, was described by the judge as “bullying and intimidating” towards the victim. The court heard that alcohol was a contributing factor in Morgan’s behaviour, but his actions were deemed abusive both physically and mentally. Judge Eugene Egan highlighted the severity of Morgan’s abuse, stating that the victim deserved love and affection, which he failed to provide.
As part of his sentence, Morgan was also issued a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim from any further harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic abuse and the importance of seeking help and support in such situations. Organizations like Live Fear Free and Refuge offer confidential helplines and resources for those affected by domestic violence, providing essential assistance to individuals seeking to escape abusive relationships.
The court’s decision to impose a significant prison sentence and restraining order reflects the severity of Morgan’s actions and sends a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated. The victim’s courage in coming forward and sharing her harrowing experience highlights the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence and providing support to survivors. By holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, the justice system plays a crucial role in protecting victims and preventing further harm in cases of domestic abuse.