Llangefni Man Jailed for Violent Attacks on Wife

A Llangefni man has been sentenced to prison following multiple violent attacks against his wife over several months. Derek Owen, 44, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court for sentencing after committing offences both before and while on bail. 🧑‍⚖️

Owen, of Pen Craig, Llangefni, was convicted of two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of assault by beatings, threatening to damage property and provocation of violence against his wife of nine years, with whom he had been in a relationship for 22 years.

The court heard that in October last year, when his wife returned after a night out, Owen kicked her out of their bed with such force she collided with a bedside cabinet, before grabbing her face and threatening her. Prosecutor Catherine Elvin said in the following days “Owen was verbally abusive to her,” calling her numerous offensive names.

Weeks later, following another argument, Owen attacked his wife again, at one point squeezing her neck. Despite being charged and bailed by the court, he assaulted her again just days later.

The defendant also threatened a friend where the victim had sought refuge, saying he would smash her vehicle with a golf club. Ms Elvin told the court his behaviour was described as “like he had lost his mind” and was “becoming more irrational.”

In her victim impact statement, Owen’s ex-wife described suffering both physical injuries and emotional trauma, including flashbacks and nightmares. The court also heard their son had been affected and had intervened during one aggressive incident.

The court was told Owen had 17 previous convictions for 39 offences, primarily for dishonesty and drugs, with only a minor record for violence from 20 years ago. Defence counsel Simon Mintz cited Owen’s difficult upbringing in the care system, the loss of his brother, and drug issues as mitigating factors.

Judge Timothy Petts sentenced Owen to two years and three months imprisonment, stating: “The most serious aggravating feature here is that these offences were against your wife.” The judge noted that domestic violence causes “lasting trauma on victims and families.”

The judge added that a report showed “no real regret or remorse demonstrated by you,” and that Owen was “assessed as posing a medium risk of harm and a high risk to partners.”

A 10-year restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Owen from contacting the victim. 🚫