Wales player hit partner
WELSH women’s international rugby player Hannah Bluck assaulted her fiancée by punching her in the face three times following a drunken argument at their Bridgend home last year.
A WELSH women’s international rugby player assaulted her fiancée by punching her in the face three times following a drunken argument.
Hannah Bluck, 24, hit her then-partner of four years, Toni Lloyd, at their Bridgend home on August 10 last year when intoxicated.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Thursday heard it took place just after 3am when Ms Lloyd returned home from a work commitment and the defendant began a verbal argument which became physical.
Bluck has been capped five times by Wales and joined Worcester Warriors last year having previously played for the Dragons.
She was also capped for the national football side at the under-16, under-17 and under-19 age groups and also represented her country at basketball.
The hearing heard Bluck pushed Ms Lloyd onto their bed and “used a clenched fist” to hit her three times to the nose. The assault left the victim with a bleeding nose and two black eyes.
The defendant was arrested and charged with assault by beating and was later found guilty at trial. She was acquitted of a second charge of assaulting Ms Lloyd by beating, which was alleged to have taken place on November 1 in Cardiff.
In a victim personal statement read out to the court, Ms Lloyd said: “When Hannah assaulted me I really tried to get over it and forget about it but I couldn’t. She crossed a boundary I never thought she’d cross.
“I loved Hannah and I tried to protect her because I loved her . . . I was torn between my head and my heart. Wanting her to take responsibility and accountability for her actions.
“It got the point where I felt like I was drowning and now I’ve come up for air I now realise that a relationship shouldn’t be like that. I spent a long time blaming myself, believing I deserved it.
“What has been the hardest part is the loneliness and feeling like I lost my world in the blink of an eye.”
Ms Lloyd also lamented the loss of her fiancée, her home, family and dog, as well as her house and the majority of her possessions.
She added: “This has been by far the most emotionally draining experience. I have cried more than I have ever done. I have not gained anything from this and I have lost too much.
“All I want is responsibility to be taken and for Hannah to overcome her problems.”
The court heard Bluck, of Cwrt Garreg, Cefn Glas, Bridgend, continued to maintain her innocence and claimed Ms Lloyd had “fabricated” the allegations. She also wishes to appeal her conviction.
A representative from the probation service said the defendant went so far as to say she had been the victim of controlling and coercive behaviour from Ms Lloyd and was being supported by Women’s Aid.
It was also said Bluck suffered with autistic spectrum disorder and was previously employed as a prison officer at HMP Parc but had to resign from her position after being charged.
In mitigation, Rhodri Chudleigh said his client’s relationship was “failing” in the summer of 2020 but she now accepted it was over.
He said: “She has a successful rugby career and plays for Worcester Warriors but she sustained a serious knee injury in January this year and will undergo an operation on May 18.”
The solicitor added Bluck was currently unemployed but willing to carry out unpaid work once she has recovered from her surgery.
Sentencing, district judge Stephen Harmes said: “My findings were you were drunk on that night and in a fit of something that was wrong in your relationship you assaulted Toni Lloyd by beating her. I do take into account you provided me with several references, all of which talk about your good side, which was overwhelmingly good.
“You made a terrible error on that night and that ended the relationship.”
Bluck was sentenced to an 18-month community order and was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £400 compensation, £250 court costs and a £95 victim surcharge.
■ 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.