Ben Jakes, 33, of Caerphilly, was described as a 'vile human being' after he repeatedly punched his partner in the head, bursting her eardrum during a horrifying attack that left her fearing for her life. The assault occurred on October 14, 2023, during an argument between the couple, who had been in a relationship for three years.
Attack Details
Prosecutor Jac Brown told Cardiff Crown Court that Jakes began assaulting the victim by punching her on the top of her head with a closed fist. The punch was thrown with 'significant force,' causing the victim to become 'dizzy and unsteady on her feet.' The victim tried to distance herself by going to the bathroom, but Jakes followed her and repeatedly punched and kicked the bathroom door until it came off its hinges.
In the living room, Jakes punched the victim five times with a closed fist. She attempted to push him away, but he pulled her by the hair and continued punching her head until the hearing in her left ear became 'muffled.' He then threw a bottle of cider at the kitchen wall, smashed her mobile phone by throwing it to the ground, and threw kitchen appliances before leaving after breaking a kitchen window.
Injuries and Aftermath
The victim sought help from a neighbour, and Jakes was arrested. At Royal Glamorgan Hospital, she was diagnosed with a perforated eardrum and a blood clot in the inner ear canal. She also experienced tenderness in her spine, left shoulder blade, and lower left abdomen. The victim continues to suffer sharp pain in her ear and significant anxiety.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, she said: 'This whole incident made me fear for my own safety and my family's safety. Throughout the relationship I wondered when it would go too far. I was always stepping on eggshells, wondering when he would hit me next. I asked him to stop numerous times. I will constantly review this relationship and will forever be worried I will be in another abusive relationship like this one.' She added that she feared her children would wake up to find her dead and described Jakes as a 'vile human being.'
Sentencing
Jakes pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and three counts of criminal damage. The court heard he has 10 previous convictions, including wounding, battery, and criminal damage. In mitigation, Sol Hartley said Jakes has not reoffended since the assault and plays an important role in his son's life.
Recorder Christian Jowett sentenced Jakes to 27 months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months. He also imposed a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement, a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and a five-year restraining order.
