Llanfair Caereinion man sentenced after CCTV assault

Jak William Griffiths, 31, appeared before Welshpool Magistrates’ Court after admitting assaulting the woman during an incident on April 16.

The court heard the argument began the night before when Griffiths saw an indecent video and message on the victim’s phone. He later told police he had “lost it”.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said objects were thrown during the initial argument because Griffiths refused to give the phone back.

The dispute continued the following day and was captured on CCTV footage shown to magistrates.

The footage showed Griffiths shouting at the woman to “get in the car” while grabbing her and dragging her across the ground towards the passenger side.

Her legs were visible being dragged along the ground.

Helplines

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by domestic abuse or violence, the following organisations may be able to help. If you are in immediate danger, you should dial 999.

• Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre (MFCC) on 01686 629114
• Calan DVS (Mid and South Powys) on 01874 625146
• Women's Aid on 0808 8010800
• Polish Domestic Violence Helpline on 0800 061 4004

A second assault during the same incident was also captured on CCTV.

The woman is heard repeatedly shouting “get off me” as Griffiths pulls her towards the car, saying “come on, come on”. He continued dragging her across the ground before telling her: “Shut up, get in there now.”

Mrs Tench said police were alerted to the footage by a third party who feared it would be deleted, as Griffiths was the only person with access to the CCTV system.

She told the court the victim did not support the prosecution.

Officers carried out a risk assessment and described the victim as visibly upset. She later explained that the image had been unsolicited and sent without her request. Griffiths had seen it and poured water over her head.

Ms Tench said police had no independent evidence to support that part of the allegation.

However, CCTV footage showed Griffiths the following day grabbing the victim by the hair, dragging her towards the car and then manhandling her back into the property.

Griffiths later told police: “I’ve just lost it. It’s my fault. I grabbed her. I shouldn’t have been so physical with her.”

Probation officer Joseph Long read a pre‑sentence report, telling the court Griffiths accepted he lost control after becoming overwhelmed by emotion.

“On this occasion he directed his anger at the wrong person,” Mr Long said, adding that anger had been an issue for him previously.

The court heard Griffiths has since undertaken counselling focused on anger management and insecure behaviours.

Mitigating, solicitor Owain Jones described the case as “desperately sad”.

“He was ashamed from the outset and made a full admission in interview,” he said.

Stephen Pembroke , chair of the bench, said: “We saw the CCTV and these were two nasty, prolonged events.

“While we have heard the mitigation and character references, the sentence must reflect the seriousness.”

Griffiths, of Watergate Street, Llanfair Caereinion , was handed a 12‑month community order, with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

He must pay £199, including a £114 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.