A violent man strangled his girlfriend after falsely accusing her of cheating on him. He grabbed her around the throat and she had to bite his thumb in order to stop him.
Stefan Bjegovic, 42, of Barry, had been in a relationship with the victim for a short period of time when he first attacked her in December 2023. She was speaking to someone on the phone which angered the defendant.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday heard Bjegovic grabbed the victim by the throat and accused her of sleeping with people, which was not true. She was scared because the defendant had grabbed her with “strength and grip” and she had to bite his thumb in order to get him off of her. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter here.
In January last year, Bjegovic pushed the victim in her home, causing her to fall into the arm of a sofa and injure her ribs. She said she felt extreme pain and suspected she had broken a rib. The final assault took place on February 6 last year when the defendant complained about the victim leaving the house to walk her dog.
Prosecutor Alex Orndal said Bjegovic fell asleep on the sofa but upon waking he was annoyed and began kicking things around the house. The victim asked him to leave but he refused, and pushed her into a kitchen unit which caused an injury to her back.
Bjegovic, of Phyllis Street, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and two counts of assault by beating. The court heard he has numerous previous convictions for domestic assaults, as well as battery, harassment, and criminal damage.
In mitigation, Adam Sharp said his client now has a “better awareness” of the changes he needs to make in his life. He said the defendant is working to address his issues with alcohol and find work upon his release from prison.
Sentencing, Judge John Philpotts said: “Paranoia and jealously seem to be a problem for you and exacerbated by alcohol. You now recognise that is a problem in your life and you’re working to address it.”
Bjegovic was sentenced to a total of 16 months imprisonment. He will serve half the sentence in custody before he is released to serve the remainder on licence.
If you, a family member, or a friend have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for free advice and support, or to talk through your options. Call 0808 80 10 800, text 0786 007 7333, email info@livefearfreehelpline.wales or go to gov.wales/live-fear-free
Live Fear Free (funded by Welsh Government and run by Welsh Women’s Aid) is a confidential service. Calls to 0808 80 numbers are free to call from landlines and mobile phones in the UK. They do not appear on itemised bills. The helpline provides support in English and Welsh, and access to an interpreter for callers with language support needs.
The Refuge charity also provides information, support and practical help 24 hours a day to women experiencing domestic violence. The service can refer women and children to refuges throughout the UK to help them escape domestic abuse. Refuge can be called on 0808 808 9999.
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