LEWIS BALLINGTON – POWYS, WALES

Domestic abuser who strangled ex-partner jailed as judge warns he poses a risk to any future partner

A man who admitted intentionally strangling his former girlfriend has been jailed after a judge warned he poses a risk to any partner, including his current fiancée.

Lewis Ballington, 25, of Min Y Rhos, Ystradgynlais, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to intentional strangulation. Charges of controlling or coercive behaviour and assault were ordered to lie on file after the plea was accepted.

The court heard that the couple’s relationship quickly became toxic after they moved in together. On 5 January 2025, an argument escalated when the victim attempted to discuss their relationship while Ballington was playing on his PlayStation.

Prosecutor Regan Walters said Ballington became enraged, verbally abused the victim and later threatened to let his dogs attack her cats. The victim fled and locked herself in another room, but Ballington followed her, grabbed her by the throat and strangled her.

She later told the court she feared she was going to die, adding that nightmares of the attack continue to haunt her.

The relationship ended shortly afterwards and Ballington was arrested. He denied strangling the victim in police interview but later admitted the offence on the morning his trial was due to begin.

In mitigation, defence counsel said Ballington had experienced childhood trauma, suffered from psychosis at the time of the offence and could not remember the incident. The court also heard he is engaged to a new partner, is expecting a child and hopes to open his own business.

Judge Huw Rees acknowledged Ballington’s difficult background but made clear it did not excuse his actions.

He told the defendant: “There is a lot in your background you’ve experienced, like violence. This is even more reason why you should not have become a perpetrator of serious violence, especially in a domestic context.”

The judge also warned: “You are deemed to pose a risk to any partner, including your current partner.”

Ballington was jailed for a total of 22 months, comprising an 18-month sentence for the strangulation offence and the activation of four months from a previously suspended sentence. A 10-year restraining order was also imposed.

Following the sentencing, the victim said the article only scratched the surface of the abuse she endured. She said she believed the only way she would leave the relationship was “in a body bag” and described Ballington smiling and joking outside court after admitting the offence.

She added: “He’s now exactly where he belongs. I hope this sentencing will help protect other women from suffering what I endured.”

The judge’s comments and the sentence reflected the court’s assessment that Ballington presents an ongoing risk despite the mitigation advanced on his behalf.