Cardiff Man Sentenced for Domestic Abuse Against Pregnant Partner
By Local Report Team
Posted: 21:27, 14 May 2026
A Cardiff man has been sentenced for a series of violent assaults against his pregnant partner, which included episodes of strangulation and verbal abuse. Ross Herbert, 25, from Ton yr Ywen Avenue, has been convicted after a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, where evidence was presented detailing the extent of the abuse during their relationship.
The court was informed that Herbert’s behaviour transformed significantly after the couple’s first year together, with prosecutor Tabitha Walker outlining that he became “horrible behind closed doors” despite maintaining a façade of normalcy in public.
The relationship between Herbert and the victim began in the summer of 2020 and was stable initially. However, following a minor incident in which the victim accidentally spilled a drink, Herbert reacted violently, pinning her against a wall by her throat. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous cycle of violence and reconciliation.
Over the course of their relationship, the victim reported feeling as though she had to “walk on eggshells”, enduring multiple incidents of assault. In one particularly alarming instance in September 2021, while around 20 weeks pregnant, Herbert again attacked her, leaving her struggling to breathe. This incident occurred after a disagreement regarding messages on her iPad, causing her to flee in fear.
The woman ultimately gave birth to their daughter in February 2022, at which point the couple had separated. After the birth, Herbert visited her home to assist with childcare, but the tensions persisted. An argument ensued when the victim remarked about his parenting, leading Herbert to again physically restrain her by the throat.
Herbert’s violent behaviour culminated in his arrest in July 2025, after the victim bravely reported the abuse to authorities. Initially, he denied the allegations but later pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour on the first day of his trial.
In a poignant impact statement presented to the court, the victim expressed the profound effect Herbert’s actions have had on her life, stating that she has become increasingly anxious and fearful, often avoiding public spaces where she might encounter him. She described how his abuse has stunted her ability to form new relationships, highlighting the emotional toll taken by the violence.
Herbert, who has a history of similar offences, was sentenced to 27 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, alongside a requirement to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service and 25 days of rehabilitation. He has also been subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim for three years.
The case sheds light on domestic abuse issues prevalent in society, emphasising the importance of reporting such incidents and the need for support for victims. Local authorities encourage anyone facing similar situations to reach out for help.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the impact of domestic abuse within our communities and underlines the necessity for ongoing awareness and intervention efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals.
