A writer has been jailed for 32 months after assaulting his partner at a music festival, leaving her covered in blood. Martyn Grant, 37, of Caldicot Court, Caerphilly, admitted intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The incident occurred on May 16 at Sully Sports and Social Club in Sully, Penarth, where both Grant and his then partner had been drinking. The victim suggested they go home, but Grant refused, wanting to continue drinking. He was already heavily intoxicated, and venue staff had refused to serve him more alcohol.
Attack in car park
In the car park, an argument broke out, and Grant punched the victim in the face. When she tried to walk away, he jumped onto her back and grabbed her from behind, placing his arm around her neck and preventing her from breathing for a couple of seconds. They fell to the ground.
Bystanders saw the victim covered in blood and went to assist her, separating Grant from her. When confronted, Grant said: "It's nothing to do with you, she deserved it." Prosecutor Pamela Kaiga said Grant then became involved in altercations with other members of the public until security guards detained him.
Injuries and impact
The victim was taken to hospital, where she felt dizzy and vomited multiple times. She suffered concussion, a black right eye, a swollen right cheek, a sore jaw, a swelling and cut to her nose, a bruised chin, and a small scrape to her right knee. She also reported memory loss and believes she may have lost consciousness.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, she said: "When Martyn initially assaulted me I was in complete shock. I came around and thought I had lost my teeth but I realised it was stones from the floor when my face hit the ground. The day after when officers came to take statements and had to relive what happened, it made me feel like I couldn't do it anymore and the next time I wouldn't be so lucky. (Grant) doesn't care about the destruction he's left behind from his actions. I had facial injuries including a black eye. I stayed in and didn't like going out by myself."
Sentencing
The court heard Grant has two previous convictions, including an assault occasioning actual bodily harm committed against the same victim. In mitigation, David Leathley said his client had "succumbed to his partner's goading" when in drink. The barrister said Grant was employed as a writer at the Royal Mint, writing descriptions for booklets, online articles, and scripts for tour guides.
Recorder Simon Hughes sentenced Grant to 32 months imprisonment and imposed a five-year restraining order.
