Abertillery man jailed again for assaulting ex-girlfriend

A man jailed for strangling his ex-girlfriend is back behind bars after assaulting her again.

Dalton Long, 28, from Abertillery was sent to prison for 21 months in September 2023 for a brutal assault on the woman.

He’s just been locked up for eight months after pleading guilty to breaching a restraining order not to contact her and for assault by beating.

The defendant, formerly of Penrhiw, Brynhithel also admitted assault by beating against a man.

His offences took place this month, Newport Magistrates’ Court was told.

Long was ordered to pay £200 compensation to his victims and £85 costs.

When the defendant was jailed two years ago, Cardiff Crown Court heard it was for a terrifying attack on the woman.

Recorder Bruce Gardiner told him: “You caused her to fall and hit her head and you blocked her access to the front door. She tried to leave but then you grabbed her mobile phone. At one point you pushed her into the house and locked the door. You grabbed her around her neck with your right arm so tight that she could not breathe.”

He added: “Eventually you released your grip but (the victim) said her head felt like jelly. You put a hand over her nose and mouth. At that point, you shouted at her, ‘I feel like killing you.'”

The defendant pleaded guilty to non-fatal strangulation and two counts of criminal damage.

Matthew Thomas, mitigating, said the defendant was “deeply ashamed” of what he had done, with no evidence of the assault being fuelled by drink or drugs.

The judge told Long: “This incident was part of a prolonged course of aggressive and violent conduct towards your victim. It took place in her home which you were attending without her consent. She was vulnerable. You also tried to suffocate her by putting your hand over her nose and mouth.”