Nial Ferry jailed after drunken assault left girlfriend fearing for her life in Wrexham flat.

A violent thug has been jailed after a brutal drunken assault left his girlfriend’s face “covered in blood” in a terrifying late-night attack in Wrexham.

Nial Ferry, 23, of Northgate Street, Chester, appeared before Mold Crown Court on Thursday, June 12. The court heard shocking details of how Ferry attacked his then-partner, Harley Fowles, during a drink-fuelled rage, leaving her fearing she was about to be killed.

Joseph Lees, prosecuting, told the court that police were called to a flat at Davies Court in Wrexham on May 21 after neighbours heard desperate screams coming from inside. Ms Fowles could be heard crying out “get off me” and “leave me alone” as officers arrived at the scene.

When nobody answered the door, police forced their way into the property and discovered the harrowing scene. Ms Fowles was found in the bedroom, her face drenched in blood. Ferry was also present, with blood on his hands, and the kitchen showed clear signs of violence with blood stains on the floor and splatters on the fridge.

Upon arrest, Ferry became highly agitated, lashing out at officers. He attempted to headbutt one, threatened to bite another’s fingers, and hurled homophobic slurs at the police.

The court heard how the terrifying incident unfolded after Ferry, already agitated from a heated phone call with a friend, turned his aggression towards Ms Fowles. He grabbed her hair forcefully, confiscated her phone, and even threatened to drown her when she attempted to leave.

As she tried to retrieve her shoes from the kitchen, Ferry struck her face with one of them, causing a loud “pop” as her nose broke. Ms Fowles, in a victim statement, recalled the overwhelming fear she felt in that moment: “I felt like I was going to get killed.”

Before officers managed to enter the flat, Ferry tried to cover his tracks, wiping blood from Ms Fowles’ face and coaching her to tell police that an unknown man had entered and started a fight.

The court was told that Ferry was already serving a suspended prison sentence at the time of the offence. Despite having 19 previous convictions, none had involved domestic violence until now.

In a deeply emotional victim impact statement, Ms Fowles described how their relationship had deteriorated as Ferry’s alcohol abuse worsened. “I was scared for my life,” she said, adding that she genuinely believed she was going to die that night.

Defending Ferry, Euros Jones explained that his client had suffered and witnessed domestic abuse himself during his upbringing. He admitted Ferry’s actions were appalling, but stressed his client’s remorse and disgust over his behaviour. Jones said alcohol had “taken over his life”.

Despite the defence’s plea, Judge Nicola Saffman imposed a 14-month prison sentence. Ferry was also made the subject of a restraining order prohibiting any contact with Ms Fowles.

The shocking case adds to growing concerns over domestic violence incidents fuelled by alcohol. Judge Saffman noted the terrifying nature of the attack, stating that Ferry’s violent outburst could have easily ended in tragedy.

As Ferry was led away to begin his prison term, the court heard Ms Fowles’ hope that speaking out might help other victims trapped in abusive relationships.