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**Warning: This article contains references to suicide and abusive behaviour**
A man from St Asaph, Denbighshire, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for subjecting his partner to a severe pattern of abuse, which was described by the judge as one of the most extreme cases of coercive control he had encountered. John Gizzi, aged 55, pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour towards his partner, Natasha Farah, 32, as well as to intentionally strangling her sister.
During the hearing at Mold Crown Court, Gizzi appeared via video link from prison and faced harsh reactions from spectators, who shouted insults at him. Farah’s mother was present in court wearing a “Justice for Natasha” T-shirt, and read a detailed victim impact statement, expressing the profound pain and suffering that Gizzi’s actions had caused. She described Natasha as a kind, funny, and beautiful person, while condemning Gizzi as a “smiling devil monster.”
The court learned about the physical and emotional abuse Natasha endured over several years, which only came to light following a serious suicide attempt that left her with significant brain damage. Judge Mills, in sentencing, highlighted the “appalling tragedy” faced by Natasha and her loved ones. He condemned Gizzi’s misogynistic and humiliating behaviour, which systematically destroyed her self-worth. The judge revealed that Natasha was visibly bruised on numerous occasions and was once attacked with a dumbbell. He also noted the abuse took place repeatedly, including on emotionally significant days such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, sometimes even in front of Natasha’s child.
Additional details emerged about Gizzi’s violence towards Natasha’s sister, Samantha, who was strangled during an altercation. Although a domestic abuse protection order had been requested, it did not proceed after Natasha reportedly withdrew her cooperation, allegedly influenced by a note. Prosecutor Elen Owen provided the court with a timeline of Gizzi’s assaults and verbal abuse, which included incidents at a gym the couple used and persistent harassment via messages. Despite multiple interventions by police and arrests, far-reaching protection for Natasha was hindered by her reluctance to engage with authorities. Gizzi also pleaded guilty to refusing to provide the code to his mobile phone, which contained numerous abusive messages.
Judge Mills expressed that the severity of the suicide attempt and resultant brain injury would remain under investigation but clarified there was no conclusive evidence to hold Gizzi directly responsible for that specific incident at this time. He told Gizzi that the harm he inflicted would never be forgiven and would follow him for the rest of his life. The judge concluded his sentencing amid applause from the public gallery, acknowledging that those previously fearful of Gizzi could feel safer now.
Outside the court, Natasha Farah’s friends and family voiced anger and disappointment at the length of the sentence. Her mother committed to campaigning for stronger penalties in cases of coercive and controlling behaviour, describing violence against women and girls as a widespread and urgent problem. Gizzi was also given a concurrent sentence of four months for failing to provide police with access to his mobile phone following an arrest.
For those affected by emotional distress or seeking support, resources are available through organisations such as BBC Action Line
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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