A FATHER-of-three has been branded a coward and told he should be “thoroughly ashamed” of himself after he attacked his ex-wife in front of their children.
Jack Saunders, 38, told his former partner “my hand around your throat will be the last thing you ever see” and boasted that he could kill her “at any point” following a row about childcare in Crickhowell on April 14.
Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard on Thursday, June 20, that the incident occurred near the town’s police station and after Saunders had been looking after the former couple’s three children for the weekend.
Saunders, of Cwm Uchaf Farm, near Aberdare, admitted a charge of assault last month.
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He denied other charges of making threats to kill and strangling, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying on the last occasion it would not seek a trial on those two other offences. No evidence was offered in relation to them this week.
Prosecutor Regan Walters told the court the defendant and victim had previously been in a relationship that had lasted more than 17 years, but ended in October 2022.
He said the incident occurred at around 5.25pm in Castle Street, Crickhowell, after Ms Thomas had been left shaken up by an aggressive call from the defendant prior to the meeting.
“She saw the defendant parked in a car by the police station,” said Mr Walters.
“She heard revving as she passed and the defendant was then following her closely before both vehicles stopped.
“The defendant stormed over, opened the driver’s door and began shouting at her. He told her ‘my hand around your throat will be the last thing you ever see’ and ‘I can kill you at any point’. She recorded him on her phone.
“He placed his right hand around her neck and pushed her head into the head rest. He walked away then came back, this time putting both hands around her neck; he squeezed substantially harder. She was terrified and tried to kick out at him.”
Mr Walters said Saunders then left the scene “like nothing had happened” and drove off.
He was arrested the following day after agreeing to voluntarily attend an interview at Brecon Police Station.
Acting for Saunders, who has been on remand at Swansea Prison since his arrest and appeared via videolink, Tom Roberts said his client had already spent 66 days behind bars.
“This is his first experience of custody, it is an experience he is desperately anxious not to repeat,” he said.
Judge Jeremy Jenkins told Saunders: “You should be thoroughly and utterly ashamed. It is the ultimate act of cowardice.
“The only reason why I am not sending you into custody today is because you’ve been in custody longer than I can reasonably put you into custody for.
“Your attitude towards the author of the pre-sentence report does you no credit whatsoever. How you can justifiably say that you were in fear for your personal safety is frankly risible.
“Your attitude needs immediate addressing.”
He handed Saunders a two-year community order, with 20 rehabilitation activity days attached, plus 100 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £540 costs.
A restraining order was also imposed and will last for five years.
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