Man Sentenced to Prison for Brutal Domestic Assault and Police Officer Attack
Jason Watson, a 26-year-old from Blackwood, has been sentenced to a total of three years and three months imprisonment after launching a violent attack on his partner that forced her to flee their home wearing only her underwear. The assault left the victim with multiple serious injuries, including a haemorrhage to her right eye, bruising, and a swollen face covered in blood.
Details of the Violent Incidents
The court heard that the first attack occurred whilst the couple were on holiday in Turkey last year. Watson had been drinking before turning on his partner, leaving her covered in blood. The second assault took place after they returned to their home in Wales. Prosecutor Josh Scouller detailed how Watson prevented the victim from leaving, then punched, kicked, and threatened her with lurid statements about what he might do.
Eventually, the victim managed to escape the address, but she was clad only in her knickers. She was later taken to hospital for treatment of wounds to her head, a haemorrhage to her right eye, bruising and marks to her ear and neck, and a severely swollen face.
Assault on Police Officers During Arrest
When police were called to the scene, Watson became abusive and aggressive during attempts to arrest him. He threw one officer to the floor, prompting another officer to use PAVA spray in an attempt to subdue him. Even after being taken to the ground, Watson kicked an officer in the face, causing an injury to his nose.
The defendant later pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault of an emergency worker. The court was informed that Watson has a previous conviction for dangerous driving and taking a vehicle without consent, for which he received a suspended prison sentence. He was on licence at the time of these assault offences.
Mitigation and Sentencing Remarks
In mitigation, defence barrister Sol Hartley stated that his client comes from a deprived background, having suffered abuse from his father. He left school early and began working at a young age. Hartley added that Watson now wants to be a father to his children.
Sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Paul Thomas KC told Watson: "Your behaviour towards the lady unfortunate to be in a relationship with you was nothing short of utterly disgraceful. You punched her, kicked her, and made lurid threats against her. She fled from her house clad only in her underwear to get away. You must be really proud of yourself Mr Watson to behave in such a way."
In addition to the prison sentence, Watson was made subject to a restraining order for five years and disqualified from driving for twelve months upon his release from prison.
