A MAN has been locked up for a "prolonged and persistent" assault against his ex-partner.

Jordan Hogan, of Leamington Pi in Lisburn, Antrim, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Wednesday morning via video link from HMP Berwyn.

The 24-year-old had previously admitted assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and theft, all of which were committed against his ex-partner Ella Fflur Rees-Williams in Conwy on October 14.

Karl Scholz, prosecuting, told the court the defendant and victim had been together for five months and were initially living in Northern Ireland together.

The relationship was abusive and Ms Rees-Williams ultimately contacted the police about his behaviour, resulting in Hogan being held in custody on remand for nine months.

But he "repeatedly contacted her during this, threatening her to withdraw her statement," - which she finally did.

When the case was dropped and he was released in October this year, Hogan contacted his victim, who was then living in North Wales.

He told her he was to arrive at Abergele train station on October 13 and demanded that she pick him up.

After she did, he instructed her to pay for a hotel room for the night and then the following day he told her to pay for a train ticket for him to go and see his mum.

But she refused at Llandudno Junction Station, screaming and crying for him to get out of her car.

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Hogan responded by punching himself in the face, pinching her under the arm and bending three of her fingers back.

He then struck her with the back of his hand to the fact, causing her nose to bleed immediately.

North Wales Pioneer: Jordan Hogan (NWP)Jordan Hogan (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)Hogan told her she had "deserved" the assault and told her to drive somewhere quiet - warning her he would "kill her" if the police turned up.

He then saw a message on her mobile phone from a male friend and accused her of cheating on him.

Ms Rees-Williams attempted to get out of the car, but the defendant pulled her back in by the hair and struck her in the face again.

He eventually got out and took her mobile with him.

When arrested, Hogan told the police the victim had been the one who attacked him.

The defendant had 21 previous convictions for 33 offences - including two robberies, five burglaries and eight thefts, as well as an assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Sarah Yates, defending, said: "I concede from the outset that this will be a custodial sentence of some length.

"The defendant has been in custody since October 16 and he has used that time constructively.

"He has obtained a job and is engaging with the mental health team in Berwyn.

"He struggles to manage his emotions and deal with situations of conflict arising in a domestic context.

"He is very remorseful for his conduct towards the complainant."

Judge Nicola Saffman described the offending as a "persistent and prolonged assault," jailing Hogan for 18 months.

A five year restraining order was imposed for the victim's protection.