Paul Gurney (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)
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A man described as “jealous” and “out of control” has been jailed after breaking into his ex-partner’s home, spitting in her face, and throwing her onto broken glass.
Paul Gurney, 33, formerly of Merlin’s Bridge but now of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court after initially denying the offences before pleading guilty on the morning of his trial.
The relationship
Gurney and the victim met in 2024 and quickly began what prosecutor Ieuan Rees described as “a volatile and toxic relationship”. The victim described Gurney as “jealous”, and the pair’s relationship ended shortly before the offences took place.
The first attack – October 1
On October 1 last year, Gurney smashed a window on the door of his ex-partner’s home and forced his way inside. Once in the property, he grabbed his former partner and spat in her face before throwing her to the ground. She landed on the broken glass from the smashed window, suffering cuts to her knees.
The second incident – October 6
Just days later, Gurney turned up uninvited at his ex-partner’s Haverfordwest home. He grabbed her by the throat and pinned her against a wall, before punching the wall next to her head twice, causing damage to the property.
Previous convictions
The court heard Gurney had 42 previous convictions from 30 court appearances. At the time of the offences, he was subject to two suspended sentences – one of 10 weeks imposed on October 7, 2024, for sending malicious communications, and another of 12 weeks imposed on October 28, 2024, for three shoplifting offences. Both had been suspended for 12 months.
Defence
Ryan Bowen, in mitigation, told the court Gurney had experienced “a difficult and turbulent upbringing” but was “under no illusion” that only a prison sentence could follow.
Mr Bowen highlighted “some notable gaps” in Gurney’s criminal history, including a five-year gap between 2016 and 2021, which he said showed the defendant was capable of staying out of trouble.
He added that Gurney had used his time in custody productively, completing courses in emotional management, English, Welsh, and programmes addressing his issues with drugs and alcohol.
“The defendant now wishes to turn the page on this chapter of his past,” Mr Bowen said.
Sentencing
Recorder David Harris told Gurney: “It’s clear you were in a rage.
“You were out of control. You were violent towards her. You were aggressive towards her.”
Gurney was jailed for 18 months, which included the activation of a total of two months from his suspended sentences. He pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two offences of criminal damage.
A five-year restraining order was also granted to protect the victim.
