A 33-year-old man from St. Asaph, Steven Hughes, has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for assaulting his partner, Clara Stubbs, in a public attack in Llandudno. Hughes admitted to charges of actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation at Caernarfon Crown Court on January 31.
The incident occurred on November 16, 2024, when Hughes, under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, assaulted Ms. Stubbs in broad daylight. Witnesses reported seeing him punch, kick, and strangle her, while she shouted for help. One observer feared the attack could have been fatal if it had continued.
Emergency services were called, and when officers arrived, they found Ms. Stubbs crying with visible injuries, including a lump on her forehead, a graze to her back, and a cut to her ankle. Hughes had fled the scene but was later arrested, where he spat at police officers and refused to cooperate.
Defending Hughes, his lawyer acknowledged his anger issues, alcohol, and drug problems. Despite a history of 24 prior offences, Hughes had stayed out of trouble for five years before this attack. Hughes and Ms. Stubbs are still in a relationship, and they are reportedly engaged.
Judge Nicola Jones condemned Hughes’ actions, highlighting the fact that members of the public, including children, witnessed the violent incident.
