A woman in Wales was subjected to a series of vicious assaults by her partner, who mockingly abused her body during the attacks. Keiron Hatton, a 31-year-old man from Neath Port Talbot, carried out disturbing acts of violence against his partner, including strangling her and kicking her down a flight of stairs, all while their young son was present. The details of the horrifying abuse were revealed in Cardiff Crown Court, where Hatton faced charges of coercive and controlling behaviour towards the mother of his two children.
The court heard that the first incident occurred after a night out with friends when Hatton became enraged and assaulted the victim in their bedroom. He physically attacked her, leaving her in a state of fear and pain. The abuse escalated in the following months, with Hatton subjecting the woman to further physical and emotional trauma, including locking her out of the house partially clothed for an extended period. The victim’s attempts to end the relationship were met with more violence and cruel taunts from Hatton, who belittled her appearance and targeted her with hurtful comments.
The impact of the abuse on the victim was profound, as she described feeling constantly on edge, suffering from severe anxiety, and plagued by nightmares of the abuse she endured. Even after ending the relationship, she expressed fear and uncertainty about what the future might hold. The court was told that Hatton initially claimed self-defence but later pleaded guilty to the charges of coercive and controlling behaviour. Despite his lack of previous convictions, the judge condemned Hatton’s actions as demeaning and nasty, emphasising the severity of the abuse, particularly in front of the couple’s young child.
In his sentencing, Judge Richard Kember acknowledged the potential harm Hatton posed to his ex-partner and the trauma inflicted upon her. Balancing this with the impact of imprisonment on Hatton’s children, the judge handed down a four-month prison term suspended for 18 months. In addition to the suspended sentence, Hatton was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and engage in 15 days of rehabilitation activity. He was also directed to pay prosecution costs and a victim services surcharge.
Reflecting on his actions after the court proceedings, Hatton expressed a vague sense of remorse, stating that his guilty plea indicated some level of regret. However, his dismissive remark that “it works both ways” pointed to a troubling lack of accountability for his abusive behaviour. The case underscores the insidious nature of domestic abuse and the lasting trauma it inflicts on victims, who endure not only physical harm but also emotional and psychological scars.
The court’s decision to impose a suspended sentence highlighted the complex considerations in cases of domestic violence, weighing the need for accountability and justice against the potential consequences for all parties involved. As awareness of domestic abuse grows, support services in Wales continue to provide vital assistance to those impacted by such violence, offering helplines and resources for survivors seeking help and safety. In the face of such appalling acts of cruelty, it is crucial to recognise the courage of survivors who come forward to seek justice and healing.