A MAN who physically and verbally abused the mother of his children at her home in Trefriw was sentenced to three years and two months at Mold Crown Court yesterday (May 17). 

Stephen Roberts (who also uses the name Williams), 31, of Craig y Don, engaged in behaviour which was controlling or coercive, controlled what his victim wore, drove her into debt.

He installed fear by way of repeated incidents of violence including strangling her, holding her head under water and making threats to slit her throat, all over a sustained period of months.

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Roberts was jailed for three years, and an additional two months for previously absconding from Court.

He was also made the subject of a ten-year restraining order.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Hayley Pearson said: ‘This was a particularly gruelling ordeal for the victim as it was a sustained and long-lasting period of control, violence, and threats. 

‘I welcome the sentence handed down, and this case is another example of our commitment to eradicating all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), which is a force priority. 

‘We take all reports of domestic violence seriously and treat all disclosures confidentially.

"If you are suffering any form of such abuse, I would encourage you to contact us in the safest way possible.’