Newport Thug Threatens to Kill Officer in Violent Arrest

A Newport man has been handed a suspended sentence after assaulting his girlfriend and putting a police officer in a headlock while threatening to kill him. 👮‍♂️⚖️

Lee Jones, 48, from Cot Farm Walk, Ringland, Newport, attacked his partner following an argument on Monday, February 10. The couple had been “drinking heavily” on the anniversary of Jones’ late father’s death, consuming several bottles of wine.

The incident escalated when Jones grabbed the woman by the throat in the street near her home. At the time, she was wearing only her dressing gown and had no shoes on as she attempted to escape from him.

Newport Crown Court heard that Jones later attacked PC Rhys Pullen who responded to the domestic violence call in the Monmouthshire village of Goytre.

Body-worn camera footage played in court showed Jones appearing “heavily intoxicated” and refusing to comply as the lone officer attempted to place him in handcuffs.

“I’ve done f*** all butt,” Jones protested to PC Pullen before placing the officer in a headlock and warning him: “I’ll f****** kill you mind.”

During the struggle, Jones ripped PC Pullen’s collar, and the officer described his shoulder as “popping out before popping back in.”

Jones admitted making a threat to kill, assaulting an emergency worker, and assault by beating. The court heard he has 23 previous convictions for 37 offences, including affray, assaulting a police officer, and battery.

In mitigation, defence barrister Kevin Seal said: “The defendant has experienced difficulties in his life. Childhood difficulties have left their mark.”

The court also heard that Jones and his girlfriend have since reconciled and “wish to marry.”

Judge Carl Harrison sentenced Jones to nine months in prison but suspended the sentence for two years. Jones must attend 26 sessions of an accredited programme, complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and was made subject to a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He will also have to pay a £187 surcharge.