A man from Merthyr Tydfil has received a suspended prison sentence after launching a violent assault against his partner, which left her traumatised and living in fear for her life. Kirk Richards, 35, was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation following a harrowing incident at their home, Cardiff Crown Court heard this week.
The court was told that Richards and the victim, who had been in a relationship for five years, were returning from a night at the pub when a dispute between them escalated. The evening soon took a sinister turn when Richards pulled his partner to the ground by her hair—so forcibly that a clump was torn out. He then pinned her to the floor by pressing his foot into her chest. Matters quickly worsened, with Richards using both hands to strangle his partner—repeating the act three times and only halting as she desperately fought back. At times, her breath was cut off, and she experienced faintness and pins and needles in her arms and face.
In her struggle to break free, the victim scratched, punched, and kicked Richards in an attempt to stop the assault, but he continued his attack. On one occasion, she apologised in fear, hoping it might make him release his hold. This prolonged and brutal ordeal left profound psychological scars.
Prosecutor Sol Hartley read a powerful personal statement from the victim, who described being “petrified” of Richards, worried that he might one day kill her. She relayed how the combination of physical, emotional, and mental abuse during their relationship had changed her irrevocably. Since Richards’ remand in prison, the impact of the abuse became even clearer to her: she struggles to trust men and finds herself constantly anxious, unable to enjoy life as she once did.
The victim spoke movingly of feeling detached from her former self, plagued by thoughts of worst-case scenarios and always looking for escape routes. “I miss my past self,” she admitted. “Now, I am always looking for a plan B.”
The court also heard that Richards initially denied the attack, even alleging that his partner had pulled out her own hair. He eventually pleaded guilty to the offences. Richards has a previous record that includes five separate convictions for battery, the court was told.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Hilary Roberts argued that Richards held a good job, has a 13-year-old son he supports, and had already spent three months in custody on remand. Nonetheless, Judge Jeremy Jenkins branded Richards’ actions as those of a “coward”, stating, “It is the ultimate act of a coward for a man to lay his hands on a woman.”
For these offences, Richards received a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He must complete 150 hours of unpaid work, undertake a 26-session programme requirement, and attend 20 days of rehabilitation activity. Furthermore, he was placed under a 60-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement and must pay the victim £2,000 in compensation.
This case once again highlights the severe impact domestic violence can have on victims, far beyond the immediate physical injuries, affecting mental health, trust, and quality of life for years afterward. Support services remain available for those living with domestic or sexual abuse. The Welsh Government’s “Live Fear Free” helpline can be contacted at any time to offer confidential advice, practical help, and support in English, Welsh, and with interpreters as needed.
For anyone in need, the Live Fear Free helpline can be accessed at 0808 80 10 800, via text, or by visiting the official website. Refuge, a national charity, also provides round-the-clock assistance, including help to find accommodation away from dangerous situations.
Cases such as this underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to support survivors of domestic abuse across Wales and the wider UK, ensuring those affected have access to justice, protection, and the support needed to rebuild their lives.