An abusive man moved himself and his dog into a friend's house uninvited and threatened to kick his dog to death when he was asked to move out. He also attacked and strangled the woman in front of her son and bit a police officer on the arm during his arrest.
Michael Stokes, 42, took over the home of his victim in Newport after she invited him to the property to carry out a number of DIY jobs. Despite being told to leave he remained at the house for two months and became angry when his victim made efforts to make him leave.
After arriving at the house on August 15 last year Stokes remained until his arrest on October 19 when he assaulted the woman. A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard the victim was afraid of the defendant's dog and he used the animal to control her.
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Describing the events of October 19, prosecutor Byron Broadstock said the victim was in the back garden dismantling a shed Stokes had commandeered as a dog kennel. This made the defendant angry and he was found intoxicated with empty cans and spirit bottles while playing "sad music".
He sat next to the woman on the sofa and slammed a glass on the table before clenching his fist and punching her to the right arm. Mr Broadstock said he continued to abuse her verbally before turning his attention to the dog, saying: "I hate that dog, that dog has cost me everything, I'm going to kick it to death." The victim to let the dog outside but the defendant kicked the animal in the chest.
Stokes then shouted at his victim, called her a bad mother, said she should die, and threatened that people would come to the house and "cut her up" and "cut her face". The woman attempted to call the police but he stood in her way and said: "Get the police, I have f***** them up once and I'll do it again". He continued to make threats, put his head against her forehead, and headbutted her.
He then put his hands around the victim's throat and squeezed it hard until she couldn't breathe. Her son attempted to stop the defendant but he threatened to stab him. The victim managed to pry Stokes' fingers off her throat and he proceeded to make racist remarks and threats against her ex-partner. He then caused damage to a number of ornaments on the mantlepiece and worktops.
The police attended the scene and an officer described Stokes as "heavily intoxicated". The defendant refused to leave the house and officers physically removed him from the property. One of his hands was placed in a cuff and he was taken to the floor during which he made threats to bite the officers' noses and faces off. He then bit one of the officers on the arm.
Stokes, of Laleston Close, Barry, later pleaded guilty to assault by beating, affray, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, criminal damage, and assaulting an emergency worker. The court heard he had previous convictions including battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of a bladed article, and public disorder.
In mitigation, Stephen Thomas said his client understood his behaviour caused "distress, fear and anxiety" which he regretted and apologised for. He said it wasn't a defence but the defendant had no memory of the offences due to his intoxication and he had no memory of the preceding week.
Sentencing, Judge Richard Williams said: "You imposed yourself and your dog in a complicated relationship with the complainant from August through to October and she tells me she became afraid of you and the dog.... You are a serial abuser of women."
Stokes was sentenced to a total of 20 months imprisonment. He was also disqualified from keeping an animal for three years.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse visit the Live Fear Free website or call the helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
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