Ebbw Vale thug jailed after causing gas leak siege

A man with a lengthy criminal history has been jailed for five years after breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s Tredegar home, causing a gas leak, and threatening to blow up the house.

Jonathan Weaver, 35, of Mount Pleasant Road, Ebbw Vale, smashed his way into the property through a window in the early hours of Saturday, November 1, whilst high on drink or drugs, or both.

The terrified victim fled with her children as Weaver ripped the oven from the mains and trashed the house, causing a dangerous gas leak. He then threatened to blow the property up after pulling out a lighter in front of police officers.

During the siege, Weaver climbed onto the roof and hurled tiles at officers below. Neighbours had to be evacuated by firefighters over fears he would carry out his threat and cause an explosion. The energy supplier turned off the gas supply for the area during the chaos.

Newport Crown Court heard that Weaver was arrested hours after the break-in. He has 29 previous convictions for 73 offences, including a catalogue of violence offences and domestic abuse against his current victim, for which he previously received a suspended prison sentence.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “This has had a massive emotional impact on me. I have nightmares that my house is on fire. I feel paranoid and constantly on edge – my mind is in overdrive. He continues to be so hateful towards me.”

Alice Sykes, defending, told the court: “There’s little that can be said in terms of mitigation. Drugs and alcohol are at the root of his offending. He says he hates himself for what he’s done.”

Judge Daniel Williams said: “Your victim was terrified and she put her children in the car and drove off. You barricaded yourself in and threatened to blow the house up. Multiple people were put in danger by your actions.”

Weaver pleaded guilty to burglary, criminal damage and affray. He was jailed for five years and made subject to a restraining order not to contact his former girlfriend.