A MAN who subjected his then partner to a string of abusive incidents over the course of more than two years has been spared jail.
Matthew Anthony, of Lilac Way in Wrexham, appeared for sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court on Thursday afternoon.
The 34-year-year-old had previously admitted one offence of coercive/controlling behaviour, which took place between December 2022 and May 2025.
Laura Knightly, prosecuting, told the court the victim in the case was Hannah Shaw, who was in a relationship with the defendant from 2021 to 2025 and with whom he has a child.
On May 16 last year, police were contacted after the defendant assaulted Ms Shaw following a verbal altercation between them.
It was said he had slapped her to the face, causing a cut to her lip.
Following the defendant's arrest, Ms Shaw disclosed that the incident was the first she had reported to police - and that for two years their relationship had been "volatile" with arguments and physical altercations.
She went on to note a number of physical assaults and incidents, many of which she had documented with photographic evidence of bruising and other marks to her body.
One of the incidents, on Boxing Day in 2022, saw Anthony fly into "a rage" in which he "smashed up the Christmas tree" and pushed Ms Shaw into a cupboard door.
He would frequently punch her to the arms, she explained, as well as holding her by the jaw.
Additionally, Anthony's offending saw him holding a knife to her throat, punching her and calling her vile, derogatory names.
Ms Shaw's evidence included a significant amount of audio recordings which captured the defendant's abusive conduct.
His comments captured included: "You're in my world now sweetheart.
"I'm enjoying this. It's powerful. It's like having a bite of the tastiest birthday cake you've ever tasted."
He also threatened to kill the victim, making suggestions that she might "take a tumble" down the stairs and made reference to pouring petrol on her and setting her on fire.
When he was interviewed, the defendant offered a prepared statement denying any assaults took place.
But by the time the matter came to court, he admitted the offence of controlling and coercive behaviour on the full prosecution facts.
Dafydd Roberts, defending, told the court the pre-sentence report prepared on his client's behalf "shows he is sorry for what he has done and how he behaved."
Speaking further about the report, he explained: "There is no victim-blaming. He has an insight into the harm he caused."
After hearing from Judge Nicola Jones that she intended to offer the defendant an alternative to immediate custody, Mr Roberts added: "I know Your Honour said the maximum sentence would be two years, with credit.
"Your Honour now has more information about his mental health difficulties, and a positive pre-sentence report.
"It is hoped that the work the probation service can do with him will assist not only him, but future partners and the community at large."
Judge Jones quoted the defendant's own words from the pre-sentence report back at him, labelling his behaviour "disgusting."
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"Your conduct was intended to maximise fear and distress," she told him.
"There was humiliation and degradation of her and actual violence was used on many occasions."
Judge Jones handed down a 19 month sentence of imprisonment but suspended it for 24 months - as well as imposing 15 rehabilitation activity days.
The defendant must also pay a £187 victim surcharge.
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