Man strangled girlfriend in rage after she refused to buy him vape liquid

'Controlling' Howells fell into an abusive rage when his girlfriend refused to buy vape liquid (Image: Getty Images)

A man strangled his girlfriend for half a minute before landing a punch on her head as she lay helpless on the ground, in a horrific assualt over vape liquid.

The court heard how 20-year-old Nathan Howells, from Bridgend, flew into a rage when his then-girlfriend refused to go out and purchase vape fluid for him, according to Cardiff Crown Court. The victim characterised her 14-month relationship with Howells as "domineering".

It was revealed in court that he would scrutinise her phone and restrict her access to social media. His behaviour reached a terrifying climax on October 29 last year during an episode of domestic abuse at her residence.

Prosecutor Kirsten Murphy detailed how Howells had requested her to buy him e-liquid for his vape from a shop. When she declined, he started hurling items around the room.

Ms Murphy stated: "These included cushions from the sofa and drawers from cupboards," She added: "He punched a hole in the living room wall and pushed her to the chest, causing her to stumble back.

"He called her useless. He used both hands to squeeze her throat for 30 seconds, causing her to feel lightheaded.

"She fell backwards, landing on her back, and while she was on the floor he punched her to the head and ribs, causing immediate pain. She went upstairs and he followed her, kicking her belongings downstairs."

The victim managed to send a covert plea for help to a family member via Snapchat, only to retract it with a follow-up message out of fear that her attacker, Howells, would notice. She was left with visible injuries including bruising and red marks on her neck.

Nathan Howells walked free from court after admitting to intentional strangulation, assault and criminal damage (Image: Conor Gogarty)

What was said in court

In a heart-wrenching victim personal statement, she disclosed her ongoing trauma since the assault, stating: "I am constantly looking over my shoulder when I go anywhere out of fear I will bump into Nathan."

Howells, hailing from Tremgarth in Wildmill, admitted to charges of intentional strangulation, assault, and criminal damage. His defence counsel Jac Brown highlighted Howells' clean record and the emotional turmoil he faced upon learning of his aunt's death on the day of the attack.

"He became deliberately argumentative with the complainant and he recognises he simply lost it with her," Mr Brown conveyed.

The probation service deemed Howells a medium risk to the victim, but Mr Brown suggested a restraining order could mitigate this risk.

"Prior to these offences he was unemployed and a frequent smoker of cannabis, which he used to cope with his unemployment," Mr Brown explained.

"He has realised cannabis will not help him and has abstained for several months now, while enjoying stability as a permanent contractor in a warehouse."

Howells' sentence after showing 'some remorse'

Passing sentence, Judge Paul Hobson addressed Howells: "People who engage in behaviour of this kind, very often young men, should expect to be severely punished. An act of strangulation is inherently dangerous and terrifying for its victim. You only have to think what it would be like to be strangled and have difficulty breathing to realise why that is so."

However, the judge also considered Howells' youth, his clean record, and signs of "some remorse".

He handed down a 12-month sentence at a young offender institute, suspended for two years. The courtroom witnessed gasps and tears from two women in the public gallery as they realised Howells would avoid immediate imprisonment; he himself remained impassive.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Howells was ordered to complete a 25-day rehabilitation activity and 180 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £600 in compensation and £100 in prosecution costs.

A restraining order was set, prohibiting Howells from contacting the victim for five years.