A man from Porth, South Wales, has been sentenced to three years in prison following a violent assault on his partner and her daughter. The distressing incident, which took place on 15 February 2025, has left the victims with both physical and psychological scars, casting a long shadow over their lives.
Mark Moon, aged 46, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court to face charges of actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional strangulation, and assault by beating. The court heard that the violent episode unfolded after Moon consumed alcohol, including Stella beer and a bottle of spirits. This was not an isolated event, as the court was reminded that Moon had a longstanding pattern of violence, with 36 prior convictions, many involving violent offences.
During the hearing, prosecutor Alice Sykes described how Moon attacked his partner, kicking her in the ribs and causing injuries to her face so severe that her vision was temporarily impaired. The impact of her head hitting a nearby plug socket was strong enough to break the fixture. The harrowing ordeal escalated further when the woman’s daughter intervened to assist her mother. Moon responded by pinning the daughter against a wall and, upon her attempt to call the police, he placed his arm around her neck, restricting her breathing in a deliberate act of strangulation. He reportedly blamed his victim, saying, “It’s your f***ing fault, you should not have provoked me.”
The prosecution also read a moving victim impact statement from Moon’s former partner, who disclosed that the attack occurred just days before her father’s funeral. She recounted how she and her daughter were forced to lay her father to rest while still dealing with the immediate physical and emotional trauma inflicted by Moon. The event almost caused her to miss her father’s funeral altogether, highlighting the profound toll the violence has taken on her family.
Defending Moon, Edward Mitchard explained to the court that his client had faced a troubled upbringing, including exposure to violence as a child. Mitchard argued that Moon’s tendency to resort to excessive drinking and aggression in times of stress was rooted in his difficult past, but acknowledged the seriousness of his actions in this case.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Simon Mills was unequivocal in his condemnation of Moon’s behaviour. The judge characterised Moon’s actions as “terrifying”, particularly within the context of his repeated offences against others. Judge Mills highlighted the vulnerability of the women involved, especially given the timing and personal circumstances. Addressing the gravity of the strangulation offence, he remarked on the frequency with which such acts can, and do, lead to fatal outcomes.
The judge’s remarks underscored deep concerns about Moon’s inability to control his violent impulses, warning him that any future offence of this nature would be met with an even more severe custodial sentence. Judge Mills stated plainly: “If you are violent again, particularly with a woman you are in a relationship with, you will be going to prison for a very, very long time. It’s got to stop.”
In addition to the three-year prison sentence, Moon was issued with a restraining order intended to protect both victims for ten years. The court’s decision reflects a growing recognition of the serious and lasting effects of domestic violence, and the importance of safeguarding those at risk.
Domestic abuse remains a significant concern across the UK, with authorities continuing to urge victims and those who know them to seek support and to report abuse. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastation such violence can cause, not just to individuals, but to entire families and communities. The hope is that stronger measures, intervention, and community awareness can help prevent such tragedies in the future.
The sentencing brings closure to a dark chapter for Moon’s victims, but also highlights ongoing challenges in addressing recidivist violent offenders. There is continued emphasis on ensuring victims feel able to come forward and on holding perpetrators to account in the justice system.