A father has described how his daughter was left severely brain damaged after a campaign of abuse by her then boyfriend, who has been jailed for four years and 11 months.
Natasha Farah was found unconscious and hanging in her home in Rhos-on-Sea in April. Police found no evidence to suggest ex-gangster John Gizzi, who was in a relationship with Natasha, had caused her to try and take her own life, but they uncovered a campaign of abuse, both verbal and physical, which left Natasha feeling helpless.
Family's testimony in court
At Gizzi's sentencing hearing at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, Natasha's father Sammire Farah said: "I can't describe the pain I feel about what this monster has done to my family. She (Natasha) is a kind, strong girl and has always been there for the underdog.
"Tasha is severely brain damaged - trapped in her own body. I see a sad, desperately frightened little girl. But she cannot do anything about this. She cries real tears but can never make a sound, and no-one can understand that except her family.
"We will always fight evil (but) Roman (Natasha's nine-year-old son) has had his mother ripped away from him and we watch the night terrors that this monster - you, John - have caused."
Natasha now needs round-the-clock care in hospital. Her sister Samantha Farah also spoke in court, telling of how her family's lives changed forever when her sister was found hanging.
"There are no words to express the pain and suffering we have endured since this monster (Gizzi) came into our lives," she said. "I worked aboard superyachts. I was independent, confident about what life might bring next. Though working abroad I have always been a home bird. There wouldn't be a day when I wouldn't call my sister.
"We were told she had suffered severe brain damage. The doctors sat us down. The brain scans looked catastrophic. Hearing my mum's screams is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life. I went into a complete breakdown."
Natasha's mum Denise described the "devastating impact" of Gizzi's actions on their family. "It is the stuff of extreme nightmares," she said. "All our precious lives will never ever be the same again; how much pain, grief, anger, torture and intense heartache for my beautiful daughter Natasha. We as a family have been robbed of something so very special."
Details of the abuse
Prosecutor Elen Owen told the court Gizzi began a relationship with Natasha in 2024. For much of that relationship Gizzi had been physically and verbally abusive to Natasha, including by striking her to the head, insulting her appearance, and making threats to her.
In one incident in April last year, Natasha told a witness at a football match that Gizzi had been abusive to her. When the couple later went to the pub with Natasha's family, Samantha pushed Gizzi and he responded by grabbing her neck so hard that he left a visible mark. Footage played in court showed Samantha being wrestled so hard by Gizzi that she fell to the floor.
In another incident at Colwyn Bay Football Club, Gizzi, who would often lend expensive cars to Natasha, tore off a rear view mirror of the Mercedes she was driving and then punched her while she was still inside the car. Natasha's friend Katie Crompton, who saw a red mark on Natasha's face, was offered money by Gizzi, which Ms Owen said may have been to try and stop her from reporting the incident.
Natasha met Katie at a Wetherspoon's pub in Colwyn Bay on March 25, where she told her friend about the threats and abuse she was subjected to by Gizzi. Another incident involved Natasha coming to the gym which Gizzi attended, asking him for keys. Gizzi became angry, swore at her, and told her to get out, before hitting her to the face in front of everyone in the gym.
Natasha said Gizzi held a dumbbell over her head and said that if he "dropped it she would be dead". Gizzi had also thrown a dumbbell at her and a man called Luke Francis when they were at a gym, the court heard.
Natasha also told Katie that Gizzi had assaulted her on Valentine's Day, leaving her with a lump to her head. She was also assaulted on Mother's Day and was worried that the repeated blows were affecting her memory. The women discussed going to Women's Aid while they were at Wetherspoons, Ms Owen added.
In another incident at Kinmel Manor Hotel in Abergele, Gizzi pushed Natasha into the hotel pool to humiliate her, Ms Owen said. Footage was played in court of Gizzi threatening Natasha: "I'm going to absolutely end you, you stupid b****."
On April 7 this year, police seized Gizzi's phone. He initially refused to disclose the device's PIN until well after the deadline. When it was unlocked, messages showed he told her: "Die and do us all a favour." Natasha called him "beyond cruel".
Sentencing and reaction
Gizzi, of Cwttir Lane, St Asaph, who had been remanded in custody since his arrest in April, pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, and to failing to provide his mobile phone pin to police.
Barrister Duncan Bould, for Gizzi, said: "He (Gizzi) accepted responsibility for arguments and jealousy. He has expressed regret and accepted responsibility for his violent behaviour and the harm he caused in the relationship.
"He's a father and has an excellent work history mostly in the construction industry. He has a long standing association with sport, particularly jujitsu in which he has gained personal and structural benefits. He does not drink alcohol or take drugs. The probation officer's report says a custodial outcome within a previously indicated range would be appropriate."
Judge Simon Mills said it was "one of the worst cases of coercive control that can be contemplated". "You would use dreadful misogynistic language to her on a regular basis," the judge told Gizzi. "It's part of the process of humiliating and belittling a person destroying her sense of confidence and self worth."
Judge Mills sentenced Gizzi to four years and 11 months in prison. Shouts of "beast" and "rot in hell" were heard from the gallery as Gizzi was sentenced. Outside court there was an End Violence Against Women protest which was attended by Natasha's relatives. Protesters wore tops which read: "Justice for Natasha."
