Man jailed for petrol bomb threats against ex and family

A man who subjected his ex-partner to a relentless campaign of harassment and terrifying threats has been jailed for 10 months.

Ryan Howells, 32, couldn’t accept the end of his five-year relationship and responded by making chilling threats against his former partner and her family. The couple share two children together, but when she ended things on 17th August, Howells launched into a campaign of intimidation that left her fearing for her safety and that of her loved ones.

The threats

Cardiff Crown Court heard on Tuesday, 23rd December, how Howells made disturbing threats to his ex, telling her: “I am going to petrol bomb your car” and “I am going to petrol bomb your window, I don’t care if the kids are there.”

The victim was left terrified, believing he was capable of carrying out the threats.

Despite bail conditions preventing any contact, Howells breached the order and called her repeatedly. In one message, he demanded she “drop the charges” – but when she refused, the harassment intensified.

He threatened to take her car and drive it into her sister’s home, and also threatened to “bonnet” her mother. The threats escalated further when he warned: “Everyone is having it.”

The appeal and overdose

Gwent Police issued a social media appeal for Howells’ whereabouts. During this time, the victim received more than 50 missed calls from him.

Later that day, police were called by Howells’ brother, who was concerned he’d taken an overdose of tablets. Officers found him unresponsive in a garden shed and he was taken to hospital.

When later interviewed by police, Howells became irate and threw a cup of tea at a wall, causing it to smash.

The impact

In a powerful victim personal statement read to the court, his ex-partner revealed the devastating toll the harassment had taken:

“I’ve had panic attacks regarding the safety of my family members, especially my parents. I’ve had night terrors thinking he’s in my bedroom. My medication dosage has increased for anxiety and depression. I even tried to take an overdose because it became too much to handle and I wanted to escape. He made me feel it’s my fault he’s in trouble with the police. I become emotional over how much I love and care for him but I stepped away because I realised the relationship was not ok.”

The sentencing

Howells, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to harassment, criminal damage and possession of cannabis. The court heard he had 19 previous convictions.

His defence solicitor, Sol Hartley, told the court Howells suffered from adverse childhood experiences and struggled with drug misuse, but had broken the cycle of using drugs since being remanded in custody.

Judge Vanessa Francis sentenced Howells to 10 months imprisonment, telling him: “Hopefully you’ll see the light that this is no way to live your life… You maximised the fear and distress your partner was feeling.”

He was also made subject to a restraining order for five years.