A man from Newport has been jailed following a violent attack on his former partner in Cardiff city centre, after a distressing chain of events that left his victim both physically harmed and emotionally shattered. Liam Bridgeman, 23, unleashed a torrent of abuse which escalated dramatically when the altercation became public, prompting fears among bystanders and emergency workers alike.
The incident unfolded on 8 May when Bridgeman met with his ex-girlfriend in the heart of Cardiff. According to statements shared in court, he was “intoxicated” and demonstrated increasingly erratic and possessive behaviour. Witnesses revealed that Bridgeman shouted at his former partner, demanding that she remain by his side and berating her with accusations concerning her private life.
The situation deteriorated quickly. Evidence provided to Cardiff Crown Court indicated that Bridgeman subjected his ex to threats, including warnings of extreme violence. At one point, he allegedly told her, “The next time I will punch you so hard you won’t wake up.” His aggression continued in public, as he threatened her further and later seized her dog, an act that led to further confrontation outside a pub.
CCTV footage presented to the court recorded the particularly harrowing moment when Bridgeman, after being approached by his ex-partner trying to reclaim her dog, punched her with considerable force to the face. Members of the public intervened; despite their efforts, Bridgeman returned and struck her again as she tried to retrieve her pet from his grasp.
Supportive bystanders took the visibly distressed victim to safety as police were alerted and promptly arrived at the scene. Initially, Bridgeman appeared to comply with officers, but the situation quickly escalated. Reports indicated that he became physically violent towards law enforcement, lashing out with force and even spitting in the face of one of the officers during the arrest.
The court heard that his aggression persisted during transit and on arrival at the police station. Bridgeman reportedly continued to kick out, resist restraint, and acted as “dead weight” to hamper attempts by police to remove him from the vehicle. As soon as his restraints were loosened, he again kicked and hit an officer, adding to the list of charges against him.
Upon review, Bridgeman pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and to assaulting emergency workers. His criminal record showed a pattern, with previous convictions including similar violent offences against another former partner, as well as criminal damage and threats to kill. The court learned that these latest actions placed him in breach of previous orders.
A victim impact statement revealed the depth of devastation the victim has suffered, both mentally and physically. She described living in constant fear, feeling isolated, and further traumatised by Bridgeman’s control and threats. She disclosed being left covered in bruises, relying on antidepressant medication, and having her financial independence restricted during the course of their relationship.
Representing Bridgeman, defence counsel drew attention to his troubled upbringing, noting the early loss of his father and the presence of domestic violence during his childhood. The solicitor also pointed to Bridgeman’s ongoing issues with alcohol as a contributing factor in his behaviour.
Ultimately, Judge Daniel Williams sentenced Bridgeman to a total of 36 weeks in prison, underlining the gravity of repeated violent conduct against both his ex-partner and police officers. The case serves as a sombre reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic abuse and the dangers posed to both victims and those called upon to intervene. Authorities continue to urge anyone in similar situations to seek support and highlight the ongoing commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals in our communities.