Trone Horsfield, a 27-year-old man from Kinmel Bay, has today been sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court by His Honour Judge Merfyn Hughes to 20 months in prison.
Following a series of physical assaults on his then pregnant partner, one of which caused her to sustain a broken nose, Horsfield was arrested by officers from North Wales Police.
A sensitive, protracted and detailed investigation followed with North Wales Police working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and Social Services in order to provide a diligent investigation and also, to empower Samantha Higgins to have the courage to continue with a prosecution against Horsfield.
As a result of the investigation, Horsfield entered not guilty pleas to three offences of assault.
The case was heard at Prestatyn Magistrates Court on 4th February 2010 where, after a trial, he was found guilty of all three offences.
Due to the serious nature of the incident, the matter was committed to Crown Court for sentencing.
The survivor of the assaults, Samantha Higgins stated: “I am thrilled with the court result. Trone Horsfield subjected me to years of abuse and violence, he is a danger to women and he deserves the sentence he has been given today.
“I would like to thank the Domestic Violence Officer, North Wales Police and Social Services for the support they have given me.
“Together with my family, they worked together to protect me and my child and support us throughout the investigation and trial.
“I have, after years of domestic abuse, finally found the courage to leave him.
“He can no longer hurt me emotionally or physically and thankfully my baby daughter will now grow up in a loving and safe environment.
“I am moving on with my life, rebuilding my confidence and looking forward to a future without fear or violence in my own home.
“I would urge anyone suffering Domestic abuse to seek help, for those with children please put their safety before your fears. There is specialist support that can help you escape. You shouldn’t have to live in fear; there is no excuse for domestic violence.”
Detective Inspector Jo Williams from the Central Public Protection Unit commented: “Trone Horsfield is a bully who preyed on a pregnant defenceless woman over a significant period of time at a time in her life when she was most vulnerable.
“Domestic abuse is one of the priorities of North Wales Police and we will deal with any allegation made to us robustly and will take positive action in all cases.
“Domestic abuse is not inevitable – it is preventable and I would urge any victim who is suffering domestic abuse to get in touch with North Wales Police or one of the many other agencies which can exist. There is help out there. No-one has to resign themselves to a life of domestic abuse.
“The sentence which has been given today is a reflection of the serious nature of these offences and I am grateful to Samantha for having the courage to pass on her views to other people. I hope that her comments will encourage those who are in abusive relationships to take the first step to getting help.”
Michelle Davidson-Beck, Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator for the Community Safety Partnership commented: “This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when all agencies work together. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative working with partner agencies.
“It shows we are making headway in our response to domestic abuse that, in this case made Samantha feel believed – listened to – respected – supported – and safer.
“Within our own communities we all have a responsibility to break the silence on the worst kept secret… domestic abuse.”
Domestic Abuse is a serious crime – don’t keep it to yourself.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse please contact the Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline for free on 0808 80 10 800.
They can provide confidential Information and support 24 hours 7 days a week.
