Jason Watson, 26, assaulted his partner while they were on holiday in Turkey after he had been drinking.(Image: Gwent Police)
A violent thug viciously assaulted his partner while they were on holiday in Turkey after he had been drinking and went on to assault her a second time when they returned home. When his victim fled her home in her underwear and called the police, he assaulted officers during his arrest and PAVA spray had to be used.
Jason Watson, 26, of Blackwood, violently attacked his partner after the couple had flown to Turkey for a holiday last year. He caused injuries to her hands and face, with her face left covered in blood as a result of the attack.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday heard Watson attacked his victim on a second occasion when they returned to Wales. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.
He had been drinking alcohol and the victim was concerned he would become violent so she made an attempt to leave the property.
Prosecutor Josh Scouller said the defendant prevented the victim from leaving and punched, kicked and threatened her about what he might do.
Eventually, the victim was able to flee the address, but she was only wearing her underwear.
She was later taken to hospital to receive treatment for a wound to her head, a haemorrhage to her right eye, bruising and marks to her ear and neck, and a swollen face left covered in blood.
The police were called and when attempts were made to arrest Watson, he was “abusive and aggressive”.
He threw one officer to the floor and another officer used PAVA spray in an attempt to subdue the defendant.
Watson was taken to the ground but he kicked an officer to the face, causing an injury to his nose.
The defendant, of Albany Road, later pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault of an emergency worker.
The court heard he has a previous conviction for dangerous driving and taking a vehicle without consent, for which he was sentenced to a suspended prison sentence. He was on licence at the time of the assault offences.
In mitigation, Sol Hartley said his client comes from a “deprived background” having suffered abuse from his father. He left school early and began working at a young age.
The defence barrister said the defendant now just “wants to be a father to his children”.
Sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “Your behaviour towards the lady unfortunate to be in a relationship with you was nothing short of utterly disgraceful… You punched her, kicked her, and made lurid threats against her.
“She fled from her house clad only in her underwear to get away. You must be really proud of yourself Mr Watson to behave in such a way.”
Watson was sentenced to a total of three years and three months imprisonment.
The defendant was also made subject to a restraining order for five years and disqualified from driving for 12 months upon his release from prison.
How to access free domestic abuse helplines in Wales
If you, a family member, or a friend have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for free advice and support, or to talk through your options. Call 0808 80 10 800, text 0786 007 7333, email info@livefearfreehelpline.wales or go to gov.wales/live-fear-free
Live Fear Free (funded by Welsh Government and run by Welsh Women’s Aid) is a confidential service. Calls to 0808 80 numbers are free to call from landlines and mobile phones in the UK. They do not appear on itemised bills. The helpline provides support in English and Welsh, and access to an interpreter for callers with language support needs.
The Refuge charity also provides information, support and practical help 24 hours a day to women experiencing domestic violence. The service can refer women and children to refuges throughout the UK to help them escape domestic abuse. Refuge can be called on 0808 808 9999.
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