Woman thought she would die in attack by partner
A MAN repeatedly assaulted his partner and the mother of his child and controlled her life over the course of almost a year, a court heard.
Kayne O’Dare, 26, of Highbury Place in Ely, Cardiff, started a relationship with the victim in 2018.
However, between September 22, 2020, and August 22, 2021, when the couple lived at a property in the St Mellons area of the city, O’Dare’s behaviour changed and he became violent and controlling against his partner.
He repeatedly assaulted his victim, leaving her with black eyes and at one point a broken arm.
When family members asked the victim about her injuries, she would not tell the truth about the state of the violent relationship she was in and the fact that her partner would control most aspects of her life.
A sentencing hearing held at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday heard that O’Dare kicked his victim at the home they shared together and put his arms around her neck, to the point where she thought she was going to die.
He also told her after that particular attack that she deserved what he had done to her. The court heard of a number of different occasions when violence was dished out by O’Dare, including in October 2020 when he kicked his victim when she turned around and faced him, and in July 2021, when an argument ended with the defendant punching his victim in the ribs, causing her to fall to the floor.
He then dragged her up the stairs before beginning to cry and trying to hug her.
A month later, in August 2021, O’Dare repeatedly kicked his then partner in her arms and legs. When she left to go to another room he followed her, picked up a chair and threw it at her.
“The defendant controlled most aspects of her life,” explained prosecution barrister Martha Smith-Higgins in court.
“Throughout the period of time (in question) the victim said she lost friends because she was not allowed to see them.
“When she would try to meet up with them, the defendant said she turned into a slag when she was with them.
“The defendant also controlled her appearance, telling her not to wear make-up.”
This point was highlighted when a victim impact statement was read out in court.
In it, the victim said: “He said I was ugly with or without make-up. This made me self-conscious and broke down my self confidence.
“I would be put off from going out with my friends and just stayed in the house with Kayne, who constantly asked me where I was and what I was doing. My head was always in another place because of the stress caused by Kayne.
“I felt vulnerable and alone. My anxiety has become very bad and I am nervous when I go out in case I see Kayne. If I didn’t have my little one I don’t know where I would be. My arm has never been the same since, I have no strength in my arm.
“I feel relieved that I found the strength to finally end the relationship. Now that the relationship is over it’s a big weight off my shoulders.”
The court heard that the ordeal faced by the victim came to light when her mother learnt of the abuse, and it was she who contacted police. O’Dare was then arrested by officers and interviewed, where he initially denied all allegations against him.
O’Dare had pleaded guilty to a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour at a previous hearing, while it was agreed that further charges of assault by beating and criminal damage would be left to lie on file.
Meanwhile, the court also heard he had a previous conviction of battery after he grabbed another woman by the wrist and threatened to tie her up.
Summing up the case, Recorder
Ben Blakemore said O’Dare had exhibited “disgusting behaviour”.
He said: “Over that 11 month period you assaulted your partner and the mother of your child on numerous occasions and in serious ways. You are a bully. This person was the mother of your child. What you were doing is not just unacceptable but appalling.”
O’Dare was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. Half of that sentence will be spent in prison with the remaining half on licence.
He was also made the subject of a 10-year restraining order, prohibiting him from making any contact with his victim.