Man Sentenced for Attempted Murder of Pregnant Ex-Partner in Aberfan

Daniel Popescu, 29, has been sentenced to up to 17 years and four months in prison for attempting to murder his pregnant ex-partner in a street attack near Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. The incident occurred on December 5, 2023, at around 9.10am in Coronation Place, Aberfan.

Popescu, who was hiding behind a parked car, approached his heavily pregnant ex-partner as she was returning home. A dog-walker witnessed the attack, screamed for him to stop, and ran to assist the victim. Popescu fled the scene, but was later apprehended by armed officers who recorded the arrest on bodycam.

The victim, who was 37 weeks pregnant, was stabbed multiple times but sustained only superficial wounds. She was treated in the hospital and discharged the following day. Her unborn child remained unharmed.

Popescu pleaded guilty to attempted murder and stalking. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke of Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court sentenced him, highlighting his planned attack and lack of remorse. Popescu must serve two-thirds of his prison term before being eligible for parole and will be subject to a three-year extended license period upon release. An indefinite restraining order was also imposed.

Woman Avoids Jail for Controlling and Coercive Behaviour

Sarah Rigby, 41, from Winsford in Cheshire, has been handed a 20-month suspended sentence for controlling and coercive behaviour over her partner. Over a nine-month period, Rigby forced her partner to sleep on the floor, restricted his use of the shower, and controlled his finances. He lost four stone due to her actions.

The court heard how Rigby quickly became controlling after the couple met in July 2021. She forced her partner to move into her property, took over his finances, and cut him off from his family and friends. In March 2022, the victim reported her actions to Cheshire Police.

Despite pleading guilty, Rigby showed no remorse. She was sentenced at Chester Crown Court but was not given an immediate custodial sentence.