Abertillery stalker jailed for three-month terror campaign

A stalker who bombarded his ex-girlfriend with 278 abusive voice messages, warning “I’m going to make your world crumble, you c**t,” has been jailed.

Rhys Lewis’ victim told Cardiff Crown Court she had “considered ending it all” during his three-month campaign of terror.

The 33-year-old from Abertillery began the offences after his partner ended their relationship when he became “jealous and abusive towards her.”

He followed her when she visited Parc Penallta in Merthyr Tydfil and followed her new boyfriend as well.

Between January and April, Lewis sent his victim 278 voice messages, changing his number whenever she blocked him.

Byron Broadstock, prosecuting, said: “Many of them were abusive in nature. It continued despite her changing her number multiple times. In one message, he said, ‘Mark me, I’m going to make your world crumble, you c**t’ and in another, he told her, ’You are a f****** disgrace.’”

When Lewis was arrested near the victim’s partner’s home, police discovered a knife in the glove box of his car. Officers later found two knuckledusters when they searched his address in White Horse Court, Cwmtillery.

Mr Broadstock told the court: “In her victim impact statement, the complainant reveals how she was terrified of the defendant. She said: ‘There have been times when I have considered ending it all.’”

Lewis pleaded guilty to stalking, possession of a knife in public and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. The defendant has previous convictions for battery and public disorder.

His barrister Kevin Seal said: “He has harmed this woman and he does show empathy towards her.”

The defendant had already served the equivalent of a 14-month jail sentence since being remanded in custody following his arrest.

Recorder Christopher Felstead told Lewis: “You left your victim foul and disgusting messages. These offences only came to an end when you were arrested. She has been forced to make considerable changes to her lifestyle as a result of your actions.”

The judge jailed him for 27 months and made him subject to a 10-year restraining order not to contact his victim. He made forfeiture and destruction orders in terms of the weapons.