Overview

• Nathan Howells, 20, pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court to intentional strangulation, assault and criminal damage.
• The October 29 attack followed his partner’s refusal to buy e‑liquid, with 30 seconds of manual strangulation and punches that caused bruising and neck marks.
• He was handed 12 months in a young offender institution, suspended for two years, plus a 25‑day rehabilitation activity requirement and 180 hours of unpaid work.
• The sentence includes £600 compensation, £100 in prosecution costs, and a five‑year restraining order barring contact with the victim.
• A probation assessment found a medium risk of harm to the victim, who reported persistent sleep problems and fear of encountering Howells.