**Intoxicated Man Jailed After Assault on Pregnant Partner in Newport**
A Newport man has been handed a prison sentence after a violent incident in which he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend during an argument, punching her in the stomach and resorting to further violence. The defendant, John Lacey, aged 42, had travelled from Derby to reconcile with his partner and attend scans for their unborn child, only for the relationship to end in distressing circumstances.
Details of the incident were heard at Cardiff Crown Court, where the prosecution laid out the alarming events that unfolded earlier this year. Lacey and his partner’s relationship had reportedly been turbulent, characterised by periods of separation and reunion. Their most recent rapprochement ended in March, following a heated row that prompted the victim to end the relationship for good.
According to court submissions, the evening after the breakup saw Lacey left to sleep in his girlfriend’s garage. On 23 March, matters deteriorated further when an argument erupted between the pair. Lacey, who had been consuming alcohol, became increasingly aggressive, pushing his partner and preventing her from returning to her home. It was said in court that he physically restrained her by grabbing her neck from behind, before striking her on the face.
The confrontation escalated as Lacey reportedly forced his fingers into his girlfriend’s mouth. In an attempt to defend herself, the victim bit him, but Lacey retaliated by dragging her to the ground. Despite being 14 weeks pregnant at the time, she was punched in the stomach. Prosecutors noted with relief that no injury was sustained by the unborn child, although the emotional and psychological impact of the attack was considerable.
After the assault, the victim was able to escape back into her home, where her adult son urgently contacted the police. Upon their arrival, Lacey attempted to re-enter the property but fled the scene when confronted by officers. He was eventually located hiding in a nearby field and arrested shortly after. Subsequent checks revealed he had a record of nine previous convictions.
During the sentencing, a deeply personal statement from the victim was read out in court. She described the experience as traumatic and transformative, stating that the ordeal had changed her fundamentally. She expressed feelings of despair over the damage wrought on her mental health and wellbeing, stating, “I am not the person I was before… I’ll never forgive him for this, the mental and physical trauma he has put me through.”
In defence, Lacey’s solicitor Gareth Williams told the court that his client acknowledged alcohol had played a significant part in his behaviour that night. Williams indicated that Lacey is seeking to address his drinking problem and referenced ongoing contact between Lacey and the victim during his time on remand, with exchanges that included updates on the pregnancy.
Taking into consideration the seriousness of the offence, Judge Simon Mills imposed a sentence of 14 months’ imprisonment. Additionally, the court issued a five-year restraining order, preventing Lacey from having any contact with the victim.
The case underlines the ongoing issue of domestic violence, particularly the heightened risks faced by women during pregnancy. Incidents such as this raise concerns about the adequacy of safeguards and support for domestic abuse victims, as well as the continuing challenges posed by substance misuse.
Local community groups and campaigners have highlighted the importance of providing robust protection and accessible resources for those at risk of domestic abuse. Speaking after the sentencing, advocates called for further education and intervention programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of domestic violence, especially where addiction is a contributing factor.
The court’s decision brings closure to a distressing episode but also serves as a reminder of the challenges many face in their personal relationships, and the damaging consequences of unresolved conflict and unchecked substance abuse. Support networks, both statutory and voluntary, remain essential in offering victims safety and a path towards recovery.