Cardiff, Wales — A 24-year-old man, previously on a suspended sentence for a violent attack, has been imprisoned after assaulting his ex-partner and threatening suicide in her presence while her infant slept nearby. This disturbing incident unfolded at the victim’s residence on January 13, when Jaydon Finch-Coles forcefully entered her bathroom, assaulting her and threatening further harm.
Prosecutor Alice Sykes detailed the alarming sequence of events during a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court. Finch-Coles initially attacked the victim in the bathroom, standing on her after pinning her to the floor. In a subsequent struggle near the staircase, he recommenced his physical assault, instilling the fear of being pushed down the stairs in his victim.
Attempting to prevent her from contacting authorities, Finch-Coles tried to seize the woman’s phone, and when she escaped his grasp, she offered money to placate him. In a shocking turn, Finch-Coles then produced a large knife, threatening his own life while blaming the victim.
Sykes further recollected that amidst the confrontation, Finch-Coles also sabotaged household property, cutting the wire of the victim’s air fryer, an appliance she valued at £70. Despite his violent outburst, the incident fortunately did not awaken the sleeping infant in the home.
Finch-Coles’ history of violence includes a prior conviction for grievous bodily harm after attacking a shopkeeper and stealing in February 2021. That altercation left the shopkeeper hospitalized and resulted in a suspended two-year prison sentence for Finch-Coles. His repeat offenses reflect ongoing struggles with maintaining both personal and platonic relationships, attributed partly to his tumultuous upbringing, as noted by his defense barrister, Emma Harris.
Judge Niclas Parry, addressing the case, highlighted the victim’s particular vulnerability and the profound fright she experienced during the attack. Recorder Andrew Hammond, presiding over the recent sentencing, underscored the seriousness of the offenses, culminating in Finch-Coles receiving a 14-month prison sentence. This includes two months for the recent assault and criminal damage and an additional 12 months activated from his previous suspended sentence.
Given Finch-Coles’ guilty plea and partial acknowledgment of his actions, his defense requested the court factor in his cooperation during the sentencing process. Hammond’s ruling reflected a balanced consideration of Finch-Coles’ troubled background, his pattern of criminal behavior, and the pressing need to uphold public safety and justice for the victim.