A man with a history of domestic abuse has been jailed after threatening to kill his ex-partner and her children. Nicky Gould, 34, appeared via prison videolink at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to making threats to kill.
Threats Made After Argument
Prosecutor Brian Simpson told the court that just after midnight on May 28, 2026, Gould was at his ex-partner's home in Neath when an argument broke out. He left the property, but then sent a series of messages in which he called the woman a "slag" and threatened to kill her and her children, warning her to "watch this space." The victim feared the threats would be carried out and contacted police, who arrested Gould later that day. In interview, he provided a prepared statement denying the allegations.
Previous Convictions for Domestic Violence
The court heard that Gould has eight previous convictions for 14 offences. In November 2020, he received a suspended sentence for battery of a former partner in front of her children, which was later activated in part after he breached the order. In December 2023, he was given a suspended sentence for battery and harassment of his then-partner, grabbing her by the neck after accusing her of cheating; that sentence was activated in full after another breach. In October 2024, Gould was sentenced to 16 months in prison for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, breaching a restraining order, and taking a vehicle without consent. The victim in that case was the same as in 2023. During that incident, he pushed the woman, grabbed her by the throat, and slammed her head against a window, causing a laceration. A friend on the phone heard him shouting that it was his partner's fault for sleeping with other people. He then drove off in her car, saying, "Why did you do this to me?"
Defence and Sentencing
Hannah George, defending, said Gould recognised his "unenviable" record of violence against women. She claimed that paternity news in 2020 was a "catalyst" for his behaviour and "provides an explanation for why he had inadequate thinking in regard to women." She added that alcohol misuse lay behind his offending and that he was taking steps to rehabilitate himself while in custody, asking the court to give him a final chance. Judge Paul Thomas KC said Gould had made "horrendous threats" towards his ex-partner and her children. He noted that this was the defendant's fourth domestic incident in six years, involving three different victims, and that Gould clearly had a "major problem." The judge described Gould's behaviour as displaying "pathetic insecurity and immaturity" and told him it was time to grow up. With a one-quarter discount for his guilty plea, Gould was sentenced to 15 months in prison. He will serve 40% of the sentence in custody before being released on licence.
