A man from Anglesey has admitted breaching a restraining order after visiting his former partner's home for Halloween, an incident that led to police involvement and a pending court sentencing.
Arwel Hughes, 41, of Llannerchymedd, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to breaching the order. The order had been imposed by a court in Caernarfon last year, alongside a 36-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months for causing actual bodily harm to his former partner.
Halloween Visit Sparks Police Call
Prosecutor James Neary told the court that Hughes's ex-partner telephoned police on November 1 last year. She said she had invited Hughes to celebrate Halloween with their children, but an argument broke out, and she alleged Hughes had taken her phone.
Mr Neary described Hughes's actions as showing a "blatant disregard" for the restraining order by attending the property. Police later found the phone at Hughes's residence, according to North Wales Live.
Defendant's Explanation
The court heard that Hughes had entered the house to borrow his ex-partner's phone to call his mother because his own phone's battery had died. He claimed that failing to return the phone was an oversight and denied any intention to steal it. He said he had not posted it through her letterbox because he feared he might "smashed it".
Hughes also maintained that he believed the restraining order had been for one year, not two. However, prosecutor Mr Neary dismissed this explanation as "fanciful", adding: "He is trying to somehow blame the victim and say that the order was over."
Sentencing Adjourned
A deputy district judge said further information was needed on whether Hughes posed a risk of "harm". The case was adjourned for sentencing at Caernarfon Magistrates Court on November 23.
The judge reminded Hughes that the restraining order remains in force and will not expire until June 2027.
