JOSHUA MAHER – MENAI BRIDGE / ANGLESEY

A woman has described the moment she believed she was going to die after being strangled twice by her former partner, Joshua Maher, during an attack inside a campervan.

The incident occurred on a trip to Cardiff, when Maher, 34, of Penlon, Menai Bridge, violently grabbed the woman by the throat on two occasions, leaving her struggling to breathe. She later told the court she had “never seen such rage in a person” and genuinely thought she would not survive.

Following the assault, the victim said she was left with post-traumatic stress disorder and required counselling and therapy. She later installed security cameras at her home, workplace, and in her car due to being in constant fear of encountering Maher again. She described becoming cautious in public spaces, often avoiding going out, shopping online, and parking near exits. She also reported an incident in which Maher allegedly blocked her car door outside her workplace.

The court heard the pair had been in a relationship and travelled to Plymouth on March 2, 2024, before heading to Cardiff. On March 3, an argument escalated in the campervan, leading to the assault.

Following the incident, the woman temporarily left and stayed in a hotel, though the pair briefly reunited before she eventually reported the assault to North Wales Police one month later. She said she felt ashamed for having “frozen” during the attack, describing it as a natural fear response despite previously receiving self-defence training.

During sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court, the judge imposed a 20-month jail term, suspended for 20 months. Maher must attend ten rehabilitation sessions and complete an accredited behaviour programme.

The court also heard the long-term psychological and professional impact on the victim, who said she had lost clients due to false rumours Maher had spread about her.

Despite his conviction, she told the court she still sees Maher “walking around Menai Bridge with no shame” and continues to feel unsafe, adding that nearly two years later she still cannot bear to be alone in a room with a man.

Judge Her Honour Nicola Jones said that society — and women in particular — would be better protected if Maher were rehabilitated so he does not repeat such behaviour. A five-year Domestic Abuse Protection Order was imposed, preventing him from contacting the victim at her home, workplace, or anywhere she might attend. He was warned that any breach of the order or suspended sentence would result in imprisonment.

Clare’s Law – Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

If anyone has concerns about a partner’s history of violence, they can make a confidential request to the police under Clare’s Law to ask whether that person has a known history of abusive behaviour.