Hayleigh Allsopp, 29, from Barry, has spoken about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her former partner Mark Hunt, which she says "made my life hell". Hunt, 33, from Cardiff, was convicted of one count of strangulation, three counts of actual bodily harm and three counts of assault by beating, and was sentenced to 34 months in prison.
First attack followed argument over Facebook
Hayleigh said the first attack happened within weeks of getting back together with Hunt in 2024, after an argument about him adding girls on Facebook. She described how he pushed a hairbrush into her neck, shoved a tea towel down her throat, and knelt on her neck, leaving her fearing for her life.
After that incident, Hayleigh said Hunt left flowers and hot chocolate on her doorstep and bought her Chanel perfume, saying, "Every time he would speak to me he would buy me a perfume."
Further attacks while holding their child
In April 2025, Hayleigh said Hunt attacked her while she was holding their young son, punching a tooth out and slamming her face onto tiles. Another attack happened after she called a kitten "pretty", and again while holding their son. She also described an incident where Hunt whipped her neck with a dog leash.
In October 2025, Hayleigh said Hunt attacked her after trying to provoke her with a fake Facebook account. She was left bleeding from her nose and ears. In November, another attack left her with bruises and a broken bracelet.
Final attack led to arrest
The final attack came in April 2026, after Hunt's dogs damaged a window. Hayleigh said Hunt punched her six times and locked the front door. She called the police three times, and Hunt was arrested as she ran to the police van.
Hayleigh said she has been diagnosed with complex trauma disorder and PTSD, and is on medication. She has paid nearly £2,500 for a security system and a guard dog, and has applied to the council to be moved. "Now he's in prison I feel like I can breathe a little bit," she said, adding that she is "in survival mode" for her children.
