A FORMER soldier who punched and slapped his then-partner in Caernarfon was told he is “in an absolute mess”.
Liam Wheeler was handed a suspended sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court today (March 9), after admitting assaulting Kayleigh Skelly by beating her on January 7.
Wheeler, 29, of Jubilee Road, Middleton, was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment, suspended for the same time period, but was warned he faces jail if he breaches his order.
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Prosecutor Emmalyne Downing said Wheeler caused Ms Skelly black eyes and a thick lip from his assault on her.
He then went to police to admit what he had done to her.
Ms Skelly later tried to take a cigarette off Wheeler; he then struck her to the face multiple times, pinned her to the floor and kicked her.
Wheeler then made threats to Ms Skelly that he would kill himself, the court heard.
Representing Wheeler, who had three previous convictions for as many offences, Myles Wilson said his relationship with Ms Skelly has now finished.
Wheeler spent 10 years in the Armed Forces, and has struggled to re-adjust to life as a civilian, Mr Wilson added.
Sentencing, Judge Nicola Jones told Wheeler: “This is breaking point for you. It’s time for you to reset.
“I know, having seen your face today, that you are utterly appalled by what you did to this woman.
“You’re in an absolute mess; I can see that. Use this reset to start turning things round.”
Wheeler must complete 20 days’ rehabilitation activity, with Judge Jones reserving his case to herself should he fail to comply with his suspended sentence.
She warned him: “If you’re back (in court), you’re back before me. Don’t let me down.”
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