**Rhymney Party Descends Into Chaos After Jealous Ex’s Violent Outburst**
A residential gathering in Rhymney, Caerphilly county, took a dramatic and violent turn after an agitated ex-boyfriend appeared outside, resulting in significant property damage and a terrifying assault upon one of the party’s hosts.
The incident, detailed in Cardiff Crown Court, traces back to the early hours of 13 April last year, when Shannon Lewis opened her home for a party. Among the guests was Lowri Matthews, the former partner of 30-year-old Brad Johnson. Throughout the evening, Ms Matthews reportedly received a barrage of hostile text messages from Johnson, signalling his unwillingness to accept the end of their relationship.
As festivities continued into the night, the mood abruptly shifted at around 2am, when guests became aware of aggressive shouting and forceful banging outside the property. Witnesses later recounted seeing Johnson wielding what appeared to be a bat or heavy pole as he demanded to be let inside. In a shocking escalation, he proceeded to hurl a brick through the window, shattering the peace and leaving those inside deeply unnerved.
Ms Matthews, seeking to defuse the situation, confronted Johnson. After a heated exchange, he eventually departed, but the sense of unease among guests lingered. The episode underscored the unpredictability of such domestic disputes and the potential risk they pose to innocent bystanders.
However, the ordeal was far from over. The following evening just after 6.30pm, Johnson returned to Ms Lewis’ home, this time vocally threatening and violently kicking the front door. Undeterred by pleas that there were children present, he continued his outburst. Fearing the door might soon give way, Ms Lewis attempted to reason with Johnson by unlocking it. Instead, she was met with physical violence—he gripped her by the throat, pinning her against the door, and struck her in the face. The attack ceased only when Ms Lewis’ partner, Lee Williams, intervened, forcing Johnson out onto the street where a brief struggle ensued.
In a statement read in court, Ms Lewis described the lingering trauma, expressing intense fear for her safety and an inability to feel secure in her own home. The aftermath left her with physical injuries and the psychological toll of ongoing anxiety, requiring medication to manage her sleeplessness and worry.
The financial impact was also noted, with the damaged window replacement and a cracked door panel totalling around £250. In the context of rising concerns about violence linked to domestic breakups, the case presents another sobering example for local communities.
Johnson, who initially gave police false identification when apprehended, ultimately conceded to charges of strangulation and two counts of criminal damage. His criminal history was revealed to be lengthy and troubling, including prior convictions related to violence and property damage. The court heard that he had struggled with substance misuse, which played a role in his erratic behaviour—a point his defence cited when pleading for leniency.
Defending, Hywel Davies stated that Johnson had two young children he had chosen not to see for fear of exposing them to his substance dependence. Recent steps towards sobriety and steady employment at a Merthyr Tydfil factory were cited as evidence of his intent to change direction, with future hopes of working in construction once fully rehabilitated.
Recorder Simon Stephenson, presiding over sentencing, acknowledged Johnson’s employment and efforts to address his addiction, noting there was a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation”. He reminded Johnson of his responsibilities as a father and the swift passage of childhood, urging him to make meaningful life changes for the sake of his children as much as himself.
In light of these considerations, the judge imposed a 16-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. Johnson will be subject to a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, a strict 90-day alcohol abstinence condition, and must pay £300 in compensation.
This case once again highlights the wider social ramifications of personal relationships gone awry, and draws attention to the support needed for both victims and offenders in the aftermath of such distressing events.