A MAN from Gwynedd who inflicted “atrocities” on another person has been jailed.
Marc Blythin, 44, of Minffordd Street, Corris, was sentenced to four years and nine months' imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court today (March 12).
Blythin’s behaviour included persuading the person not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination by convincing them that it was “part of a plot to change the world,” and repeatedly tying a plastic bag around their head.
He lied about his parents dying in a helicopter crash, and his wife and son in a house fire, about him having links to organised crime, and about his wealth.
Read more
He also imposed “training exercises” on the person, which involved holding a pillow over their head and face and placing his hands around their throat, and putting matches to their skin and saying this would conquer their fear of fire.
The defendant was convicted after trial of controlling and coercive behaviour, while the survivor of his abuse cannot be named for legal reasons.
Prosecutor Dafydd Roberts described Blythin’s abuse was “sophisticated,” and “intended to humiliate and degrade” the “particularly vulnerable” survivor.
In a statement, the survivor of Blythin’s abuse said he inflicted “carefully researched and curated methods” of abuse and “atrocities” on them.
Blythin caused the survivor “horrific psychological and physical abuse,” they said.
The survivor has since been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic post disorder, and has experienced “a lot of paranoia” and Stockholm Syndrome.
They have since struggled to sleep, and developed a fear of plastic bags and a “significant distrust of society”.
“It is very difficult to quantity the severity of the effects of the abuse perpetrated on me,” the survivor added.
“I can honestly say I have seen what evil looks like.”
Representing Blythin, who had no previous convictions, Duncan Bould said he has “adopted a very positive approach” to his time in custody on remand.
Blythin was given supervising responsibilities on his prison wing and is “proud of that,” Mr Bould added.
A prison officer described Blythin as being “polite and respectful” to staff and inmates, and as having an “exemplary” attitude to custody.
“There are many positive features in Mr Blythin’s character,” Mr Bould said.
Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts told Blythin his “utterly horrendous” behaviour had a “devastating effect” on the survivor, to whom he “weaved a web of lies”.
He also condemned the “bizarre and abusive training regime” he inflicted on the survivor.
“The only point in your favour is that you’ve never been in trouble with the courts before,” Judge Petts added.
“This is far and away the worst example of this case I have seen.”
A lifelong restraining order was made for the survivor’s protection.
Share