Brynmawr Man Jailed for Knife Attack on Drinking Companion

A Brynmawr man has been sentenced to four years and four months in prison after attacking someone he’d been drinking with the night before, entering his home and striking him with a knife. ⚖️

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Anthony Foley, 35, of Glamorgan Street, entered Ciaran Smith’s home on November 21, 2024, whilst Mr Smith was asleep on his sofa. Foley punched Mr Smith twice on the left side of his face before producing a knife and attempting to strike him twice to the arm – the second blow connected.

When Foley tried to leave and realised he couldn’t, he threatened to stick the knife in Mr Smith’s neck if he didn’t open the door.

Mr Smith suffered two wounds to his left forearm, couldn’t straighten his fingers and had a fracture to his left forearm which needed a cast.

In his victim impact statement, Mr Smith said: “I keep re-living it and thinking about how my parents would have coped if it had been worse. I can’t help but get emotional when I see my parents crying.”

He explained that due to the scars, he always wore long sleeve tops to keep them covered and said it had mentally affected his ability to maintain strong relationships.

Edward Mitchard, defending, said it was “an argument muddled by drugs and alcohol” and that his client was “somebody who is capable of change.” He explained Foley had been carrying the knife as he was the victim of a serious attack a few years ago.

The court heard Foley had 28 previous convictions for 50 offences, including six previous convictions for offences against the person.

Judge Shomon Khan said: “You’ve gone to his home, that’s where Mr Smith is supposed to feel safe. I accept that you did not force entry but it was his home, he was on his sofa in a place where he felt safe.”

Foley pleaded guilty to wounding inflicting GBH, section 18 wounding and possession of a bladed article. He was also handed a five-year restraining order to prevent him from contacting Mr Smith.

The judge added: “I hope that this really is the turning point in your life.” 🔒