Last Updated: November 28, 2024
Ioan Phillips (Image: Gwent Police)
A horrific unprovoked assault in Rhymney, Caerphilly, has left 60-year-old Robert Williams permanently blind in his right eye after he went to investigate what he thought was his daughter in distress.
Ioan Phillips, 30, who was under the influence of cocaine, crack cocaine and alcohol, struck Mr Williams with a single punch whilst wearing a large silver ring. The attack occurred when Mr Williams stepped outside his home after his wife heard someone calling for help in the early hours of August 29.
After the assault, Phillips brandished a knife and threatened both Mr Williams and his son before damaging their front door.
In his victim impact statement, Mr Williams shared: “When finally plucking up the courage to leave the house now, I find myself tripping over things such as the kerb on the side of the road because I’m unable to see it. This is causing my confidence to take a further knock and I’m relying on other people to come out with me.”
Cardiff Crown Court heard that Phillips has 31 previous convictions for 62 offences. Judge Paul Hobson sentenced him to three years in prison and imposed a 10-year restraining order, stating: “That punch has led to devastating consequences for Mr Williams and his loved ones. The result is that he has lost completely the sight in his right eye. That is permanent.”
