Macauley Thomas, 28, attacked his prgenant former partner in a terrifying incident at her home
Macauley Thomas(Image: Gwent Police)
A jealous man entered his pregnant ex-partner’s home and asked her young son: “Where the f*** is you mother? I’ll f****** kill her.”
He then went upstairs and strangled his victim in front of her terrified children.
Macauley Thomas, 28, had been in a relationship with the victim for six weeks but they split up as a result of his jealousy and paranoia that she had been unfaithful to him. This led to arguments during which the defendant would scream and shout at her and accuse her of messaging other men.
A sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Wednesday heard the victim, who was pregnant, was at her home in Caerphilly borough with her five children when she received a text from Thomas, who said: “I’ll come and batter you now, watch.” Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here
The victim heard the defendant enter her kitchen before he shouted at her son: “Where the f*** is your mother? I’ll f****** kill her”.
He ran upstairs to her bedroom and demanded to see the victim’s phone but she refused. Thomas then straddled the victim on the bed and gripped her throat with both of his hands until she couldn’t breathe.
Prosecutor Elin Morgan said the victim’s children were crying and her son threatened to call the police, which led to Thomas stopping his attack.
The victim grabbed her children and went to a neighbour’s home for refuge and the defendant ran away.
As a result of the assault the victim suffered bruising and red marks to her neck.
In a victim personal statement read to the court by Ms Morgan the victim said: “I was in a relationship with Thomas for a month at the end of 2025. Everything seemed like it was going well initially but cracks started to show. I ended the relationship as I know how toxic people can get when they don’t get what they want, and to safeguard myself and my children.
“He’s done nothing but make my life hell. When I found out he was remanded I did not realise how much of a relief I felt and I slept all night as I felt safe for the first time and not on guard. I still didn’t sleep as well and was constantly trying to process what happened to me in a short period of time.
“I was so stressed during the investigation and my blood pressure has gone through the roof. When I go out, even to the shops, I am constantly on edge and take my friend everywhere with me as a bit of security…
“That day will never leave my mind, hearing my children crying and hearing their voices as they bravely called for help. It was something they should never have had to witness.
“Thomas does not care about the consequences of his actions and will do what he likes. As long as he’s happy he will not care about the pain and fear he puts other people through.”
Ms Morgan said Thomas was also to be dealt with for a series of driving and drug offences.
On September 4, 2025, police stopped a BMW in Newport at 2.50am, which was driven by the defendant. Officers described an “overpowering” smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle and the driver appeared to be under the influence.
Thomas tested positive for cannabis and gave a sample of blood which contained 5.6 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of blood with the legal limit being two micrograms. He was also found to be driving while uninsured.
On October 6, 2025, the defendant was found asleep at the wheel of a Ford Focus by police following reports the vehicle had collided with a barrier. He appeared unsteady on his feet with slurred speech but he refused to provide a sample of blood to be tested.
On December 18, 2025, Thomas was driving at speed through Bargoed when he was pulled over by police and found to be driving while disqualified. He was also found in possession of four pots of green matter which was discovered to be 12g of cannabis as well as £500 in counterfeit £20 notes.
On January 21 this year the defendant was a passenger in a Vauxhall Astra which was stopped by police on the eastbound carriageway of the A465. He identified himself as “James Wilkins” but facial recognition software identified him as Macauley Thomas, who was the subject of a warrant.
The defendant attempted to throw an item back into the car, which was found to be 1.2g of cannabis.
Thomas, of Lewis Crescent, Gilfach, Caerphilly, later pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, drug-driving, possession of cannabis, possession of counterfeit money, driving while disqualified, driving while uninsured, and failing to provide a specimen.
The court heard he has eight previous convictions.
In mitigation Charles Archer said his client had been going through a period of difficulty in his life due to substance misuse, mental health issues, and homelessness, having spent a period living in his car.
The barrister said the defendant had been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to a background of trauma.
Recorder Simon Stephenson sentenced Thomas to a total of 34 months imprisonment.
The defendant was also made subject to a restraining order for five years and disqualified from driving for four years and five months.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse visit the Live Fear Free website or call the helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
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