Cwmbran man sentenced for threatening ex-girlfriend

Cohen McCann, 28, from Cwmbran, has been sentenced after admitting a malicious communications offence involving threatening voice notes sent to his former partner.

McCann, of Crown Close, Pontnewydd, was found not guilty by a jury at Newport Crown Court of strangling his ex-girlfriend, but admitted sending the threatening messages.

In her victim impact statement, read out by prosecutor Thomas Stanway, the victim described the effect of McCann’s actions. She said: “I’m frightened of what he’s capable of and I’ve had no choice but to move home. I can’t sleep at night and I feel drained. I live in fear and it never goes away.”

She added: “I will never be able to fully recover. I have a sadness that I can’t shake.”

The court heard that McCann has one previous conviction for drug dealing. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order in March 2023 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis. This current offence was committed just after that, meaning he was in breach of that sentence.

Defence barrister Alexander Granville told the court that McCann was the victim of a stabbing and suffers with PTSD. The defendant lives with his mother and grandmother.

Judge Shomon Khan told him: “The messages must have been extremely frightening for the victim in this case. She has revealed how she feels anxiety as a result.” He added: “You were the victim of a serious attack and it has had an impact on your mental health and that may be at the route of your offending.”

McCann was jailed for six months with the sentence suspended for 18 months. He must attend 21 sessions of an accredited programme and complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was made the subject of a three-year restraining order not to contact his former partner. McCann must also pay £200 towards prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.