A St Asaph man who put a woman through long periods of verbal and physical abuse, and who also strangled her sister, is now behind bars.
John Damon Gizzi, 55, of Cwttir Lane, was sentenced at Mold Crown Court on Thursday (12 November). He appeared by videolink.
The sentence
Gizzi was given a prison term of four years and 11 months. He had been held on remand since his arrest in April.
The court also made him subject to restraining orders and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, which will last for 15 years.
What he admitted
Gizzi pleaded guilty last month to:
- Controlling and coercive behaviour
- Non-fatal strangulation
- Failing to give police the PIN for his mobile phone
The abuse
The police investigation uncovered sustained abuse of Natasha Farah over long periods. It was both verbal and physical.
Gizzi made threats towards her and damaged her property. His control over her even reached as far as dictating what clothes she wore.
In a separate incident earlier this year, Gizzi strangled Natasha’s sister, Samantha. He admitted this too.
The arrest
On 7 April, officers were called to a house in Rhos-on-Sea after concerns were raised for Natasha’s welfare. Gizzi was arrested in connection with the incident shortly afterwards.
What police said
Detective Constable Rebecca Donaghy, of North Wales Police, said:
“The guilty pleas entered by John Gizzi in this case reflect the serious nature of his offending, and the sustained controlling and coercive behaviour he subjected his victim to over an extended period.
“This pattern of behaviour had a profound and lasting effect on her freedom, independence, confidence, and sense of safety.
“I am fully aware of the impact this case has also had on the victim’s immediate family and recognise both their bravery and patience, in what has been an extremely difficult and emotional time for them.
“Gizzi also admitted the intentional strangulation of another female – which is an extremely serious act of violence.
“I want to recognise the courage it takes for victims of domestic abuse to come forward and to engage with a criminal investigation.
“We understand that doing so can be incredibly difficult, particularly where the offending involves a prolonged pattern of intimidation and control.
“I hope that the sentence imposed today provides some reassurance that their experiences have been heard and the offences have been taken seriously.
“Violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour, remains an absolute priority for North Wales Police.
“We are committed to identifying perpetrators, protecting victims and pursuing offenders through the criminal justice system.
“Anyone who chooses to perpetrate violence or abuse or abuse against women and girls should be in no doubt that the officers will pursue them and that we will seek to ensure they are dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”
Why the victims are named
North Wales Police said it respects the privacy of all victims of crime. It named Natasha and Samantha because their family asked it to.
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