A woman who endured sustained abuse at the hands of her partner has told a court that his violent and controlling behaviour has left her “completely destroyed”, with the trauma continuing to affect her daily life. The defendant, Richard Clement, faced sentencing at Swansea Crown Court after a harrowing series of incidents that have left deep emotional scars on his former partner.
The court was told that Clement’s relationship with the complainant, which lasted intermittently for about three years, began as a healthy partnership but rapidly descended into coercion, threats and violence. Prosecutor Alexandra Wilson outlined how Clement, described by the judge as an “immaturely jealous man”, exerted control over almost every facet of the woman’s life. Alongside persistent demands for money, he is said to have regularly forced her to drive him to various locations, further isolating her from friends and support.
Matters deteriorated further as Clement allegedly began confiscating her phone to inhibit her communication with others, subjecting her to a campaign of both verbal and physical abuse. One notable episode on New Year’s Eve saw Clement become enraged when the complainant, refusing to drive him to a friend’s home, was dragged to the ground, kicked repeatedly in the ribs, and then thrown across the floor. Such episodes, the prosecution argued, were not isolated but part of a broader pattern of intimidation and violence.
Another distressing incident took place in January. After a short stay with friends, the woman returned home only to find Clement waiting in her bedroom. Court testimony revealed he grabbed her by the hair, pinned her against a bathroom door and, while subjecting her to derogatory abuse, forced her to yet again drive him—this time to her friend’s property in a bid to ‘verify’ her account of her whereabouts. This confrontation culminated with Clement hurling a block at her car, causing significant damage.
Initially, the complainant refrained from seeking help from the authorities, fearing retaliation given Clement’s threats to “send people around” to settle scores. She later told police that these threats felt credible due to his apparent connections, intensifying her feelings of fear and vulnerability. In a victim impact statement read before the court, she described recurring panic attacks and profound anxiety, explaining that she was now reliant on prescribed medication for the first time in her life due to the trauma she endured.
During police questioning, Clement, aged 36, was described as hostile and threatening, reportedly telling officers they had “sh*t evidence” and even threatening to physically assault a detective involved in the case. His criminal record is extensive—documenting previous convictions for serious offences including assault, battery, and wounding, as well as threats to kill. In 2021, he was imprisoned for openly dealing cocaine on the streets of Port Talbot.
Defence counsel Andrew Evans noted that at the time of these offences, Clement was entrenched in a crack cocaine addiction. Evans told the court that his client, now reportedly free from drug dependency, expressed remorse for his “appalling” conduct and recognised the harm he had caused.
Presiding over sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas KC rebuked Clement for his “disgraceful” behaviour, branding him a “cowardly bully” whose actions had significantly harmed the complainant. He drew attention to Clement’s juvenile jealousy, likening it to the infatuation of a teenager rather than a man approaching forty. Citing a “pattern” of violence towards partners, the judge underscored the seriousness of the offences.
Clement, of Glady Street, Port Talbot, pleaded guilty to engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and criminal damage. He received a sentence of two years in prison, with all terms to run concurrently. He is to serve up to half his term in custody before being released on licence.
For those affected by domestic abuse or violence, numerous organisations offer support, including Rape Crisis England & Wales and The Survivors Trust. These groups provide confidential helplines, counselling, and guidance to those needing help to escape abusive environments.
The case highlights the enduring effects of domestic abuse and the challenges survivors face in seeking justice and rebuilding their lives. The trauma of such experiences often lingers well after the physical injuries have healed, underscoring the necessity of robust support and legal recourse. As the complainant’s testimony illustrated, the path to recovery is complex, but hearing such stories in court can be a vital first step towards reclaiming autonomy and dignity.