Cardiff Man Jailed 7 Years for Hotel Assault on Partner

A Cardiff man who violently assaulted his then-partner in a Newport hotel lobby has been jailed for seven years and one month.

Andrew Bishop, 42, was sentenced today (Wednesday 29 October) at Cardiff Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to section 18 wounding with intent and racially aggravated common assault.

Police were called by the hotel receptionist after the victim fled Bishop’s car into the lobby seeking help following an earlier altercation in a city centre bar.

Bishop followed her into the hotel – where they had been staying – and was captured on CCTV repeatedly punching and kicking the victim, leaving her with facial fractures and requiring a three-night hospital stay.

He has also been made subject to a 10-year restraining order.

In her impact statement, the victim described how the attack left her feeling “hurt, afraid, and deeply betrayed by someone I had once cared for and trusted.”

“But over time I’ve worked on healing. I’ve learned to rebuild my strength,” she added.

Offering forgiveness to Bishop, she said: “What I truly hope is that he learns from this, that he takes responsibility, and that he finds a way to live differently.”

“I’ve found peace in my own life, and I hope he can find peace in his.”

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Danielle Terblanche, said: “I’d like to commend the strength and courage of the victim. Her resilience and resolve throughout the investigation have ensured that a violent man is rightly behind bars.

“The assault carried out by Bishop was horrific and vile, causing serious and lasting injuries to his then-girlfriend.

“Nobody should have to endure the threat of violence or acts of violence from anyone, let alone from their own partner.

“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. If you, or someone you know if a victim of domestic abuse, we urge you to come forward to report it. We have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity. Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.”