AN ANGLESEY man has today been sentenced to 18 months in prison after subjecting his ex-partner to a violent attack.

David Andrew Cottam, 34, of Llannerchymedd, pleaded guilty to one count of Actual Bodily Harm, one count of robbery as well as a further count of theft at Caernarfon Crown Court.

Mr Cottam is also banned from visiting his ex-partner, but will be permitted to go to the cemetery in her village to visit his grandmother's grave once a year.

The court heard Mr Cottam and Ms Hughes, the victim, had been in a relationship for 17 years but had separated on January 19 this year. They have five children.

Mr Cottam had apparently thought Ms Hughes was seeing someone else and went to her parents' house, where she was living, on January 26.

After a scuffle, Cottam pushed her over and she hurt her chest and back, while Mr Cottam later brandished a knife six to seven inches long in front of Ms Hughes’ father Oswald, before leaving.

Police were alerted and officers arrested Cottam the following day, on January 27.

In a victim statement, Ms Hughes said that since the assault she now checks if doors are locked and feels "disorientated" at work and college.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Andrew Gibson said “We are fully committed to pursuing those perpetrators that cause the greatest risk and harm to the public.

“Tackling domestic violence is one of our key priorities. It can cause significant harm to the victim and their loved ones.

“Due to swift action taken from attending officers and subsequent work by detectives, we were able to secure relevant key evidence.

“If you, or someone you know, are a victim of domestic violence, you can contact us on 101 or LiveChat. Always call 999 in an emergency.

“In an emergency you can use the Silent Solution - when calling 999 you can press 55 when prompted to alert the call handler that you are in a genuine emergency.”