**Newport Man Jailed After 3am Home Invasion Leaves Victim Traumatised**
A Newport man with a long history of criminal conduct has been sentenced to over seven years in prison following a violent burglary that left a woman seriously injured and both occupants of the property robbed in the middle of the night. Gareth Jasons, aged 45, forced his way into a residence with an accomplice at 3am, inflicting physical and emotional damage that continues to haunt the victims.
The harrowing incident unfolded on 26 June 2024, when Jasons, accompanied by a man concealing his identity with a balaclava, targeted a home in Newport where he knew both residents personally. According to evidence presented at Newport Crown Court, Jasons had threatened violence towards the pair the previous day, following a verbal confrontation at the address. The situation escalated dramatically when he returned hours later to deliver on his threats.
During the early morning attack, Simon Hadfield, one of the occupants, answered the door only to be confronted by Jasons and his masked accomplice, who pushed their way inside. Kelly Becher, the other resident, was asleep on the sofa at the time and awoke to a terrifying ordeal. The court was told that Jasons, displaying considerable aggression, punched Ms Becher so forcefully that he knocked out a tooth and left her with significant facial bruising. She later described the pain as excruciating and recounted being left “in agony” for days afterwards.
As the traumatised victims attempted to process the violence, events escalated further. Jasons allegedly threatened Ms Becher with a knife, grazing her arm, and issued threats to kill her. He also compelled his associate to assault Mr Hadfield before stealing personal belongings from both residents, including Ms Becher’s handbag.
In a deeply distressing sequence, Jasons forcibly marched Mr Hadfield to a nearby Co-Op cash machine, demanding that he withdraw £200 – and later forced him to hand over a further £250 – all with no regard for his wellbeing or personal dignity, reportedly denying him time to put on shoes before leaving the house.
In a victim impact statement presented in court, Ms Becher told of her ongoing suffering and fear. “I thought Gareth was going to kill me and I have never been so scared in my life,” she stated, adding that she continues to experience nightly nightmares as a direct result of the invasion. The psychological toll has been compounded by the fact that she still lives in the same property where the attack occurred, making it difficult to feel safe in her own home.
The court heard that Jasons already had an extensive criminal record, including convictions for similar offences. Prosecutor Tom Roberts described Jasons’ actions as calculated and deeply harmful, while defending counsel Jac Brown highlighted the troubled background of the defendant, which included a childhood marred by domestic abuse, early placement into care, and longstanding addiction issues.
Sentencing Jasons, Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant condemned the attack, emphasising the principle that individuals “are entitled to feel safe in their own homes.” He underscored the severe physical and psychological impact on the victims, and noted that this latest burglary was Jasons’ third such offence involving a residential dwelling. The judge labelled Jasons’ criminal history as “deplorable,” with repeated transgressions dating back to the 1990s.
Jasons, whose address is Monnow Way in Newport, pleaded guilty to charges including burglary, robbery, theft, actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article. He received a total prison sentence of 84 months – with the robbery charge considered the lead offence (58 months), and further sentences for burglary and theft set to run concurrently; an additional 26 months was imposed consecutively for the assault.
The case has once again brought the issue of violent crime and repeat offenders into public focus, highlighting not only the devastating personal consequences for victims but also broader questions around criminal justice and community safety.
Residents in Newport and beyond have expressed concern about the nature of crimes taking place in residential neighbourhoods, with many calling for strengthened support for victims and tougher interventions for those with histories of violent behaviour. Authorities reassure the public that serious offences such as these are prosecuted robustly and that support services remain available to those impacted by crime.