Thug Strangles Girlfriend and Hits Her Over Head with Rum Bottle
Craig Gillatt, 32, attacked his then-partner at her home in Cardiff after she allowed him and a friend to sleep on her sofas. The victim reported that he “beat her mercilessly” to the point where she feared for her life.
During the incident on August 14 last year, Gillatt, heavily intoxicated, unleashed a deluge of violence on the victim. The court heard that he and another man arrived at the victim’s home after he expressed his reluctance to stay at the Huggard Centre for the homeless. They slept on the sofas, with Gillatt and the victim on one and his friend on the other.
In the middle of the night, Gillatt began mumbling and kicking out at the wall, prompting the victim to offer to sleep on the floor. He responded by throwing a bottle of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum at her, striking her on the side of her head. Accusing her of sleeping with his friend, Gillatt then caused damage to a television by swinging a ladder across the room before grabbing the victim by the throat and applying extreme pressure, leaving red marks.
Afterwards, Gillatt left the house and phoned the police, confessing to the assault. In a victim impact statement, the victim expressed deep emotional trauma and fear, noting her ongoing struggles with sleep, nightmares, and anxiety of a potential future attack.
Gillatt pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and criminal damage. Additionally, he faces a separate charge of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs following an incident in which he was found with crack cocaine. In mitigation, his lawyer highlighted Gillatt’s troubled upbringing, including exposure to substance abuse and domestic violence.
Recorder Greg Bull KC sentenced Gillatt to 43 months in prison, with eligibility for release on licence after serving half the term. The victim’s statement reflected the lasting impact of the assault, underscoring the importance of domestic abuse support services available for those in need.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, the Live Fear Free helpline offers confidential advice and support. Remember, ending the cycle of abuse begins with seeking help and support.