Carl Thomas tried to control his ex even after he had been jailed for savagely beating her up
Carl Thomas, from Maesgeirchen in Bangor(Image: North Wales Police)
A man was jailed for wounding his girlfriend then came out of prison and assaulted her again. Carl Thomas, from Maesgeirchen in Bangor, was initially imprisoned in February last year after drunkenly knocking his partner out with a punch that broke her eye socket.
Caernarfon crown court heard the victim was left with a visible dent to her left cheek. A bone in her eye socket had to be popped back into place. Thomas, 44, admitted wounding and was jailed for 14 months plus one month activated from an earlier suspended sentence.
The assault led to the end of the relationship, but when Thomas came out of prison he continued to terrorise his ex. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter.
North Wales Police said he tried to control her by “searching through her personal belongings and calling her place of work demanding to know where she was”.
“The woman asked Thomas to leave her home after he turned up intoxicated, but he refused and came towards her with a raised fist,” said a police spokesman. “He was pushed out of the house.”
Thomas, of Min Y Ddol, pleaded guilty at Llandudno magistrates’ court to assault and controlling behaviour.
He was jailed for one year and placed under a six-year restraining order to protect the victim.
Detective Sergeant Geraint Jones said: “Thomas’ repeated actions to control and intimidate his ex-partner were frightening for her and her family.
“I commend her courage for coming forward and seeking support despite such a distressing experience. I hope Thomas’ sentence gives her some reassurance.
“I urge anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse to seek support. We will listen to you and fully investigate any report made to us.”
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.