A FLINTSHIRE man who a court heard abused his former partner during their relationship has been spared jail.

Craig Butterworth, of Copper Beach Close, Broughton, appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court (Sitting at Llandudno Magistrates) for sentencing on Wednesday, September 18.

The 38-year-old initially pleaded not guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, but changed his plea to guilty on the morning his trial was set for on August 7.

Elen Owen, prosecuting, told the court that the offences took place between August 1, 2019 and December 28, 2022 and related to Butterworth's former partner Stacey Gannon.

The prosecution explained that the pair had been in a relationship for around three years and had children together.

The defendant was said to 'repeat patterns' of abuse and that there were several instances of 'aggression' and 'physical violence'.

At one stage in the relationship, Butterworth pulled an imitation firearm on his then-partner and told her; 'Do you think I can't do it? I'm smart, I'll get away with it."

On multiple other occasions, he strangled Ms Gannon who said she 'genuinely thought she was going to die'.

In a victim personal statement she said she would 'fear the rampage that would ensue if she did not comply with what he asked of her'. 

She said: "I hope he will learn to understand the ramifications of his abusive choices and the detrimental effect it has had on his family."

Butterworth was eventually arrested on December 27, 2022, when Ms Gannon phoned police as she 'had had enough'.

Myles Wilson, defending, said that Butterworth had no previous convictions for this type of offending.

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He added that the defendant admitted he had been 'drinking too much' while in the relationship and that he had 'done things he shouldn't have done'.

Sentencing Butterworth, Judge Nicola Saffman said: "You had real problems dealing with when things go wrong in a relationship, when feelings are running high."

The defendant was handed a 24 month sentence, which was suspended for 24 months.

He will have to take part in 35 accredited programme sessions, complete 35 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

He will have to pay £1,349 in costs and a restraining order, lasting five years, was also made.

In her closing remarks, Judge Saffman warned Butterworth; "You are very much on the cusp of going to prison should you re-offend."