Dad jailed after cocaine-fuelled attack weeks after release

A violent repeat offender has been sent back to prison after attacking his girlfriend just weeks after being released from a previous jail term for another serious assault.

Thomas Jenkins, 28, a dad-of-one from Oakford Place in Portmead, Swansea, was sentenced to 18 months at Cardiff Crown Court after hurling his girlfriend’s mobile phone at her head during a cocaine and alcohol-fuelled rage – leaving her with a deep gash above her eye.

The 999 call

The incident came to light in the early hours of January 30 when police received an abandoned 999 call at 3.15am from an address in Blaenymaes, Swansea. Officers arrived to find Jenkins’ girlfriend with a fresh cut above her right eye.

She told them Jenkins had been snorting cocaine and drinking heavily before accusing her of cheating. He then launched the phone at her head with such force that the device itself was damaged.

Arrest and admission

When officers went upstairs, they found Jenkins lying on the bed. He claimed the argument had been “resolved” – but his account soon shifted. Shortly after 4am while in custody, he told an officer: “I admit I threw my partner’s phone towards her and I am sorry.”

Bodycam evidence

Although Jenkins’ girlfriend did not support the prosecution, the judge, recorder Andrew Hammond, pointed to police bodycam footage that painted a very different picture of the situation.

“It is quite obvious she is very distressed and in fear,” he said. “She whispers to the police, first saying there is no problem but then gesturing upstairs. She is clearly timid and afraid. She eventually explains what happened, then breaks down in the officers’ presence.”

A long record of violence

Prosecutor Matthew Murphy outlined Jenkins’ extensive criminal history, which included 14 previous offences. Among them was a GBH assault committed just eight months before the latest attack – for which he had been sentenced to nine months in prison.

The assault on his girlfriend took place while Jenkins was on licensed release from that very sentence. He also had prior convictions for drug possession and driving offences.

Defence arguments

Jenkins’ solicitor, Giles Hayes, told the court his client had “poor thinking skills” and substance misuse issues that could be addressed with probation support. He added that Jenkins’ girlfriend did not want him charged, and “in all probability” they would continue their relationship – though she had been denied access to visit him in custody.

The court also heard Jenkins had been diagnosed with ADHD, which prevents him from working, and that he had a supportive family around him.

Sentencing ⚖️

Jenkins pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and possession of a small amount of cannabis found on him during the arrest.

Jailing him for 18 months, recorder Hammond delivered a stark warning: “Everything I’ve read about you suggests you think violence is normal or even excusable. It is a striking feature of how you conduct yourself generally.

“This court takes a serious view of violence, especially domestic violence. You need to realise the path you are on leads ultimately to one destination, and that is prison.”

No restraining order was made as the victim did not support one.