A MAN from Gwynedd who assaulted a woman and punched a boy has been spared jail.

Colin Williams, 36, of High Street, Blanaeu Ffestiniog, was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Caernarfon Crown Court today (July 12).

He had previously admitted charges of assault by beating and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Prosecuting, David Mainstone told the court that, on December 14, 2023, an argument ensued between Williams and the woman after both had consumed alcohol.

After she went outside to smoke a cigarette, Williams tried to stop her from returning inside, at which point a boy intervened to try and help the woman.

Williams and the boy then “wrestled” with each other before the defendant ran after him, before pinning him against a wall by his neck and punching him to his eye.

The woman, meanwhile, suffered swelling to her lip and bruising to her elbow, arm and knee as a result of a “scuffle” between her and Williams.

In addition, the boy sustained bruising to both of his arms and shoulder blades, while another person who witnessed the incident was heard to call Williams a “monster”.

Williams, representing himself, had previous convictions for common assault, harassment, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, the court heard.

He told Judge Timothy Petts, presiding over the hearing, “how sorry I am”, adding that he could not recall the incident due to his intoxication.

In a letter he had written to Judge Petts, he expressed his remorse for his actions, and wrote that he was “disgusted” with himself and has not drank alcohol since the day in question.

A further letter from his new employers, who he has worked for for six months, read that Williams has been “doing very well” and has become a “great asset” to them.

Sentencing, Judge Petts told Williams he was responsible for a “very nasty” and “very frightening” incident.

But, he added to the defendant, “I accept that your remorse is genuine”.

Judge Petts also ordered Williams to complete 150 hours’ unpaid work, a 120-day period of monitored alcohol abstinence, 20 days’ rehabilitation activity requirements, and a 35-session programme requirement.

Williams will pay a statutory surcharge, meanwhile.

A restraining order was also issued, prohibiting Williams from having any contact with the boy for five years.

Judge Petts added to him: “Hopefully, I’ll never see you again; in the nicest possible way.”