Powys man assaulted partner while she was holding infant son

Benjamin Rae, from Llandrindod Wells, admitted a charge of assault on his ex-partner, causing her actual bodily harm, in an incident dating back to November 2 last year.

Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court told the 29-year-old this week they were adjourning sentence for an all-options report – which could even include his case being committed to the crown court.

Rae committed the assault in Noyadd Close, Llandrindod, after his partner had fallen out with his mother – having earlier in the day threatened to push her down the stairs.

James Sprunks, prosecuting on Wednesday, April 10, said the assault was reported after a friend of the victim called police when she became concerned following a phone call with her.

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“It was about 10.13pm when a witness reported a domestic incident to police,” said Mr Sprunks.

“They contacted police as they were concerned. She said she’d been on the phone to the victim, who said she was holding her one-year-old child when her partner threatened to push her down the stairs. The victim said the defendant had hit her earlier.

“She said the defendant had become moody to her after she’d fallen out with his mother. The defendant called her a bad mother.

“She then went to get items for the kids’ dinner and he said to her ‘Have you not got nothing for me?’.

“Later on she walked up the stairs, the defendant was at the top and told her ‘I will knock you down the stairs’.

“They then met in the middle of the stairs and he pushed her head, knocking off her glasses, while she was holding their son. She was upset and took the kids to bed.”

Police arrived and Mr Sprunks added: “The defendant said he had a verbal argument with the victim.

“He made a full admission under police interview.”

Mr Sprunks said Rae had no previous convictions but did have a few cautions, including for assault. He said the victim had requested a restraining order.

Huw Williams, acting for Rae, of Lon Glanyrafon, Newtown, made no representations, saying the case would need to be adjourned for a report.

Magistrates ordered an all options report and adjourned the case until May 8.

Rae’s conditional bail was extended. The conditions of his bail are he is not to contact the victim, in any way, including via social media, except only via a third party for the purpose of childcare.

He must also not attend Noyadd Close and must live and sleep each night at the Newtown address.