Caerphilly Man Jailed for Harassing Ex-wife Despite Court Order

A Caerphilly man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after bombarding his ex-wife with unwanted contact despite a restraining order.

David Rowlands, 43, of Oaks End Close, sent multiple emails daily professing his love and writing poems, while making derogatory comments about her new partner. The court heard he would send “five or six emails per day” between September 15 and October 17.

The victim’s powerful impact statement revealed: “I truly believe that without my family I would no longer be here today.”

Newport Crown Court heard how Rowlands repeatedly breached a restraining order issued in August 2024, which prohibited any contact with his ex-wife.

Judge Lucy Crowther didn’t hold back during sentencing: “This was never about her but about you and your feelings… Your obsession knew no bounds. She wanted and I repeat, still does not want anything to do with you at all.”

The defence cited Rowlands’ cocaine addiction as a factor in his inability to cope with the marriage breakdown.

A new seven-year restraining order has been imposed. ⚖️