Ebbw Vale man jailed for brutal attack on ex-partner

Andrew Hale turned up uninvited at his ex-partner’s home in Tredegar on 29th May last year, despite being banned from attending due to social services involvement. When the victim told him their relationship was over, the 35-year-old’s response was violent and terrifying.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Hale kicked his former partner repeatedly in the ribs before punching her in the face, causing immediate swelling. In a bizarre twist, he then went downstairs to fetch a bag of frozen peas to reduce the swelling he’d just caused.

The victim initially told police her injuries had been caused by another woman, but Hale was later arrested. He denied the offences during interview and was ultimately convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a trial.

In a powerful victim personal statement, she told the court: “I suffered emotional, mental and physical abuse at the hands of my ex partner Andrew Hale… I’m terrified he could know where I now live, he sees me as a possession and I’m worried he will never let me live in peace… I’m scared to trust any friends and assume the worst in everyone. I still have physical injuries several weeks later. I’m worried people are judging me… I’m scared for my future and worried I will be unable to trust another man again or have another relationship. I feel crippled with anxiety if a male gets too close.”

She continued: “I fear (Hale) and is escalation, I genuinely believed he would have killed me. He preyed on me, I was vulnerable and he took advantage of me. After my husband’s death, I needed love and support but instead I experienced abuse and manipulation.”

The court also heard that Hale was caught with a Zanco mobile phone and charger hidden between his buttocks during a search at HMP Cardiff on 3rd August. He pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited item inside a prison.

Hale, of Hendre in Ebbw Vale, has previous convictions for violent offences, possessing offensive weapons and offences of dishonesty. His defence barrister said he had completed courses in prison and was “genuinely remorseful”.

Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant told him: “You launched a nasty and vicious attack on her, kicking and punching her about the body and the face.”

Hale was sentenced to a total of three years imprisonment and made subject to a five-year restraining order.