Man strangled girlfriend in rage over vape liquid

Wales Online

a day ago

Man strangled girlfriend in rage over vape liquid
'I am constantly looking over my shoulder when I go anywhere out of fear I will bump into Nathan,' said the victim
WalesOnline reporter confronts man who strangled girlfriend
A man strangled his girlfriend for 30 seconds then punched her to the head as she lay defenceless on the floor. Nathan Howells, a 20-year-old from Bridgend, was in a rage because his then-partner had refused to go out and buy him vape fluid, Cardiff Crown Court heard.
The victim described her 14-month relationship with Howells as "controlling". The court heard he would check her phone and prevent her from using social media. His behaviour culminated on October 29 last year in a terrifying episode of domestic abuse at her home.
Prosecutor Kirsten Murphy said Howells had asked her to go to a shop and buy him e-liquid for his vape. When she refused he began throwing items around the room. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter .
"These included cushions from the sofa and drawers from cupboards," said Ms Murphy. "He punched a hole in the living room wall and pushed her to the chest, causing her to stumble back.
"He called her useless. He used both hands to squeeze her throat for 30 seconds, causing her to feel lightheaded.
Nathan Howells walks free from Cardiff Crown Court
(Image: Conor Gogarty)
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"She fell backwards, landing on her back, and while she was on the floor he punched her to the head and ribs, causing immediate pain. She went upstairs and he followed her, kicking her belongings downstairs."
The victim managed to message a family member on Snapchat, asking them to come over, but out of fear that Howells would see it she sent a follow-up message telling them not to worry. She was left with bruising and red marks on her neck.
In her victim personal statement she said she had been struggling to sleep since the attack as she "constantly" replayed the incident, adding: "I am constantly looking over my shoulder when I go anywhere out of fear I will bump into Nathan."
Howells, of Tremgarth in Wildmill, pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, assault and criminal damage. His barrister Jac Brown said he had no previous convictions and that on the morning of the offences he had learned of his aunt's death.
"He became deliberately argumentative with the complainant and he recognises he simply lost it with her," said Mr Brown.
The probation service assessed Howells as posing a medium risk of harm to the victim. Mr Brown argued this could be managed with a restraining order.
"Prior to these offences he was unemployed and a frequent smoker of cannabis, which he used to cope with his unemployment," said Mr Brown.
"He has realised cannabis will not help him and has abstained for several months now, while enjoying stability as a permanent contractor in a warehouse."
Passing sentence, Judge Paul Hobson told Howells: "People who engage in behaviour of this kind, very often young men, should expect to be severely punished. An act of strangulation is inherently dangerous and terrifying for its victim. You only have to think what it would be like to be strangled and have difficulty breathing to realise why that is so."
But the judge also took into account Howells' young age, the absence of previous convictions, and evidence that he had shown "some remorse".
He imposed 12 months in a young offender institute suspended for two years. As it became clear Howells would be spared jail, there were gasps and tears of happiness from two women in the public gallery. The defendant himself showed no emotion.
Howells was handed a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 180 hours of unpaid work. He must pay £600 in compensation and £100 in prosecution costs.
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An order restraining him from contacting the victim will be in place for five years.
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 [e-mail] or go to gov.wales/live-fear-free