Man Jailed After “Near-Death” Valentine’s Day Attack

A 46-year-old man has been jailed after a horrific assault on his partner during what should have been a Valentine’s Day celebration in Abergavenny. 🚨

Samuel Scaddan repeatedly punched his victim and soaked her with freezing water after pushing her into the bath at his home. The attack left her with a lump on her forehead “like a tennis or golf ball” and fearing for her life.

Newport Crown Court heard the couple had been together for four years when the incident occurred. The day began with them visiting Wetherspoons, where Scaddan consumed two pints of lager and half a bottle of tequila before his demeanour drastically changed.

Upon returning to his flat, Scaddan became “self-deprecating” and began smashing items. When his partner attempted to leave, he threatened her saying: “Ok you c***, run off like you normally do” before adding, “You’re not going anywhere, you’re not leaving through the door, the only way you’re leaving is through the balcony.”

Prosecutor Mari Watkins described how Scaddan pushed the victim to the floor and punched her in the head. When she sought refuge in the bathroom, he initially promised to calm down but then pushed her into the bath, climbed on top of her, and directed freezing water at her face while continuing to punch her.

The victim’s powerful statement revealed: “The incident in the shower will never leave my head. I thought I was going to die, it won’t ever leave me.”

A neighbour intervened, but Scaddan claimed the victim had “done it all to herself” and continued verbally abusing her. Police officers found him in the car park shouting, “I am going to get you.”

Medical treatment at the Grange University Hospital confirmed bruising to her head, a wound to her skull, and bruises on the bridge of her nose.

Despite having three previous convictions for harassment and domestic violence, Scaddan’s defence cited his “serious mental health problems” and substance abuse issues.

Judge Carl Harrison sentenced him to 16 months imprisonment and imposed a five-year restraining order. 📋