Connor Mortimer (Image: South Wales Police)
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A domestic abuser who threatened to rape his former partner and “hang her off a bridge” has been jailed for 16 months.
Connor Mortimer, 31, had previously been in a relationship with his victim but it came to an end in 2022. He had already been convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious communications against her, receiving 15 months imprisonment, and was made subject to a restraining order preventing him from contacting her.
But after the victim began a new relationship, Mortimer became jealous and launched a campaign of abuse and threats against her.
The garden incident
On September 21 last year, Mortimer attended the victim’s home and went into the back garden, where he shouted abuse at her while holding a garden light with a spike on it as if it were a spear. He eventually left after the victim’s partner diffused the situation.
Facebook posts
Mortimer then posted about the victim on Facebook, in breach of his restraining order. He referred to her as a “dirty little rat” and told her partner to “knock on my door, you’re a little girl”.
He added: “You cheating little rat, phone the police I couldn’t give a f***, I’ll end up on a wing like a f****** king.”
The victim felt “panicked, sad, upset and traumatised” upon seeing the posts.
Threatening phone call
After the victim unblocked Mortimer and called him to confront him about his behaviour, he became angry and made chilling threats.
He said: “I will f****** hang you off Abercanaid bridge, phone the police and tell them I threatened to kill you. If you keep giving it the big one I’ll come up there, I’ll tie you up to the bed and rape you, you silly c***. I’ll slap your head off your shoulders.”
The victim was frightened and believed Mortimer would murder her.
Victim’s statement
In a victim personal statement read to Cardiff Crown Court by prosecutor Megan Eckley, the victim said: “He threatened to rape me and hang me off a bridge. I am suffering with extreme anxiety, paranoid and scared to do simple things such as going to the kids’ school or the local village.
“I’m embarrassed by what he said. Even though it was untrue, people could believe Connor and what was said. I struggle to sleep and [am] paranoid windows and doors are not shut. Even though he’s in prison I feel he’s capable of contacting someone to come to my address and harm me for him.
“He still tried to come after me and control my life even though I haven’t been in a relationship with him for years.”
Sentencing
Mortimer, of Elm Street, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to stalking and two counts of harassment. The court heard he has four previous convictions for offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious communications.
In mitigation, Hannah Friedman said her client recognises his language and threats were “appalling”. She said the defendant was a qualified tree surgeon and had hit his head while working, which caused him to suffer seizures and a brain injury.
Judge Vanessa Francis sentenced Mortimer to a total of 16 months imprisonment.
