A man from the Caerphilly valleys has been locked up after strangling his pregnant ex-girlfriend when she tried to end their relationship.
Macauley Thomas, 28, from Gilfach near Bargoed, was handed a 34-month prison sentence after the horrifying attack on the woman who was carrying a child at the time.
Police have now released a mugshot of Thomas following his sentencing, as part of efforts to keep the public informed about dangerous domestic abusers in their communities.
The attack happened after the victim told Thomas their relationship was over. Rather than accepting her decision, Thomas turned violent, grabbing her by the throat in a terrifying assault that put both her and her unborn child at serious risk.
Strangulation in domestic abuse cases is considered one of the most alarming warning signs that a victim faces lethal danger. Research consistently shows that victims who have been strangled by a partner are significantly more likely to be killed by them in future attacks. The fact that Thomas carried out this assault on a pregnant woman makes the offence even more chilling.
Gwent Police confirmed the details of the case following the sentencing hearing, where the court heard how Thomas had subjected his ex-partner to the brutal attack after she made clear she wanted to leave the relationship.
Thomas will now serve his sentence behind bars, though campaigners and support organisations often highlight that victims of domestic abuse face a long road to recovery long after their attacker is put away. The psychological impact of being strangled by someone you were in a relationship with can last years, and the added trauma of being pregnant at the time adds another deeply distressing layer to what this woman went through.
Domestic abuse charities in Wales have repeatedly called for tougher sentences for strangulation offences, arguing that courts need to treat non-fatal strangulation with the same seriousness as other violent crimes. Wales has seen a number of high-profile cases in recent years where women have been killed by partners who had previously strangled them.
Live Fear Free, the Welsh Government-backed helpline for those affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, is available 24 hours a day on 0808 80 10 800 for anyone who needs support or advice.
Thomas, now 28, will remain in custody while his victim, who has not been named, is left to rebuild her life following the attack.