**Cardiff man jailed after violent assaults on woman while under influence of drink and drugs**
A Cardiff man has been jailed for a violent assault on a woman, which left her with a serious head injury requiring stitches. Neil Lewis, 42, carried out the attacks while heavily intoxicated, and under the influence of both alcohol and cocaine, Cardiff Crown Court heard. The court was told that Lewis subjected his victim to a harrowing ordeal, inflicting emotional and physical trauma that the woman says continues to haunt her.
Lewis, of Ball Road, Llanrumney, denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty after a trial on two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The assaults consisted of a sequence of punches, slaps, and kicks—delivered both while the victim stood and as she lay defenceless on the floor. In an appalling escalation, Lewis attempted to strangle the woman, spat at her, and even threatened her with a plugged-in iron. At one point, he struck her with a remote control, deepening the injuries she suffered.
During the sentencing at Newport Crown Court on Friday, the court heard a personal statement from the victim, read by prosecutor Clare Wilks. The woman described Lewis as “vicious,” and reflected on the devastating aftermath of the attacks. “I am a shadow of my former self. I feel reclusive and no longer the person I had once been,” she explained. The victim revealed that she continues to suffer flashbacks of the events and that her mental health has deteriorated since the incident.
According to evidence presented in court, the first assault left the woman with a bleeding gash to the head, requiring immediate medical attention and stitches. Despite her pleas for Lewis to stop, the violence reportedly continued. On a separate occasion, Lewis launched another attack, again punching and kicking her before threatening further violence.
Judge Daniel Williams, as he passed sentence, criticised Lewis for refusing to take responsibility for his actions. “You maintain your innocence,” the judge said, noting the severity and repeated nature of the attacks. Judge Williams imposed a prison sentence of three years, reflecting both the serious harm caused to the victim and Lewis’s lack of remorse.
In addition to the custodial term, an eight-year restraining order was put in place to protect the victim. The court was told that Lewis has a criminal record, including previous convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm as well as affray, which the prosecution argued showed a pattern of violent behaviour.
Cases such as this highlight the devastating consequences of domestic violence, fuelled by substance abuse. While the victim is now physically safe, her statement illustrates the long-term psychological impact such attacks can leave behind. Criminal courts are increasingly recognising the importance of both punishment and victim protection in these cases.
This sentencing serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which the courts treat domestic abuse, particularly in instances involving drugs or alcohol. Community organisations in Wales continue to urge anyone affected by domestic violence to seek help and support, reaffirming that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
As the campaign against domestic abuse evolves, stories like this underscore both the resilience of survivors and the persistent need for robust legal and social responses to prevent further tragedies.