A 34-year-old man has been imprisoned after admitting domestic violence and stalking his former partner.
Zachary Engen, of Maes Garnedd, Tregele, Cemaes, was sentenced to four years at Mold Crown Court today (Wednesday, 12 March).
He was also given a restraining order for 20 years from contacting the victim.
At an earlier court appearance, Engen admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and stalking his former partner.
He subjected the victim to years of physical and mental abuse, controlling what she could do, isolating her from family and friends and causing her to live in fear of violence.
On more than one occasion, she was violently attacked while asleep.
The victim would regularly hide bruises to her face and body with heavy makeup and eventually stopped going out.
After ending the relationship, he began stalking his former partner and would follow her on rural walks, sit outside her workplace and turned up while she was over 350 miles away visiting a friend.
He would also threaten to harm himself to get the victim’s attention.
Engen was arrested in February 2023 after the victim reported him to police.
Detective Inspector Richard Griffith said: “I commend the victim for having the courage to report Engen’s violent, aggressive, intimidating and fixated behaviour.
“He is a dangerous man who left her living in fear, which has had a devastating impact on her life.
“Stalking is a crime which goes to the very heart of violence against women and girls, removing their feeling of safety.
“I hope this sentencing allows the victim to move forward, knowing he is no longer a threat to her safety.
“We take all reports of domestic abuse and stalking extremely seriously and will support victims throughout any investigation.
“If you are, or have been, a victim of stalking or domestic abuse, do not suffer alone. Please report it to us online or by calling 101, and always dial 999 in an emergency.”
