Anglesey man who strangled ex-partner, held a man hostage and then stole another person’s van is jailed

A man who strangled his partner, held a man hostage and then stole another man’s van has been jailed for five years.

Dewi Cledwyn Hughes, of Twr Cuhelyn Steet, Llanerchymedd, appeared at Mold Crown Court on August 6^th after being found guilty of intentional strangulation and two counts of assault by beating and pleading guilty to false imprisonment, threatening a person with a blade, aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and possession of cocaine.

In December 2022, the now 34-year-old was arguing with his partner when he grabbed her by the shoulders, pushed her up against a wall and strangled her until she lost consciousness. When she woke up Hughes told her he ‘hadn’t done it that hard’.

In February 2023, Hughes was once again arguing with his partner when he grabbed her by the hair, dragged her around and then kicked her. On another occasion he poked her in the eye causing bruising and instant pain.

He was arrested for these incidents and then later charged in May 2023.

Whilst on court bail for the domestic offences, in January 2024, Hughes was a passenger in a car when he became aggressive towards the driver, pulling out a bread knife and threatening to kill the victim.

Hughes held the driver hostage in his van for three hours, throwing the man’s phone out of the window so that he couldn’t call for help. Hughes forced the knife to the victim’s neck and threatened to stab him.

When the van ran out of fuel, the driver managed to escape and called the police.

Officers found the victim’s van abandoned in the Mynydd Mechell area and began searching for Hughes when he stole another person’s van and fled from police, driving a double to speed limit.

Police pursued Hughes who continued to drive dangerously on narrow and unlit roads until the stolen van became stuck in mud.

He exited the van and was arrested. He also provided a positive roadside test for cocaine and cannabis.

Today, he was jailed for five years.

He received restraining orders not to contact or approach the victims from both incidents. He also received a driving ban.

Detective Inspector Richard Griffith said: “Hughes’ violent and threatening behaviour during these separate incidents were incredibly dangerous and show that he has no regard for the safety and welfare of others.

“The victims have shown considerable bravery in coming forward to report what happened to them following traumatic and terrifying experiences.

“I hope today’s sentence provides them with the reassurance that they can move forward with their lives knowing he is no longer in the community.”

If you are or have been a victim of domestic abuse, please report it to us or via Live Fear Free on 0808 80 10 800.