TWO men who assaulted a pregnant woman and her husband inside their Lydney home last summer have received prison sentences – one immediate and the other suspended.

Linus Butrimovicius, 37, of Regent Street, Lydney, was found guilty by magistrates of assaulting the man and head butting his wife at their Lydney home and was sentenced to a 26 month jail term.

Liam Riley of Millings Crescent, Aylburton was also found guilty at the same trial of assaulting the man, causing him actual bodily harm on July 12022 and was sentenced to a suspended 56-week prison term.

A third man, Peter Wright 32, of no fixed address, was also found guilty, but he was not produced from Cardiff Prison for the sentence hearing at Gloucester Crown Court last Friday (July 28).

Prosecutor Mandla Ndlovu told the court that Butrimovicius, Riley and Wright turned up at a property in Lydney on July 1, 2022 at about 9.30pm.

“Butrimovicius led the way and began banging on the front door, but when entry was refused he kicked the door in and forced entry,” said the prosecutor.

“Butrimovicius entered the property, closely followed by Riley and Wright, and headed straight upstairs and entered the living room.

“Butrimovicius proceeded to kick and punch (the man), whereupon his pregnant wife tried to intervene. Butrimovicius head-butted her and pushed her to the floor.

“Both victims receiced substantial injuries with actual bodily harm being inflicted on (the man).”

In a victim statement the woman said she was heavily pregnant at the time of the assault, which had left her feeling very angry and stressed and she believed it caused her to go into premature labour.

The man stated that he feels guilty for associating with people like the defendants and added that his biggest regret was seeing his family deal with the traumatic impact of that night.

Matthew Harbinson, for Butrimovicius, said: “The background circumstances to this case have never been explored in order to give it some context.

“However, I appreciate that this information is not required for sentencing purposes.

“He has submitted a number of references to show a different side to his character. He has shown remorse and I believe he could receive a custodial sentence that could be suspended.”

Lloyd Jenkins for Riley said: “He is self-employed and would be ideal for a community-based sentence. He has kept out of trouble since this incident.

“He would welcome support by professionals to help him tackle his alcohol addiction, which couldn’t be done if he were to serve an immediate custodial sentence. He would fully embrace a community-based sentence and is prepared to pay compensation.”

Simon Goodman said that his client, Wright, had not been delivered to court from Cardiff Prison and he would now be sentenced for this offence, and other matters at Cardiff Crown Court in November.

Butrimovicius had been found guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court of violently going into a premises Lydney, on July 1, 2022 when he knew there was someone present who was opposed to him entering and assaulting the man causing actual bodily harm and the assault by beating the woman on the same date.

Liam Riley pleaded not guilty to assaulting the man causing actual bodily harm on July 1st 2022, but he was convicted after trial.

Peter Wright, 32, of no fixed address, was also found guilty of the assaulting the man at a trial Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court and he will be sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on November 16.

The judge, Recorder Richard Mawhinney told both defendants “This was an attack on a couple in their own home and they were fearful of your actions. “

He added: “(The woman)suffered extreme distress and the experience had a profound effect on her.

"She believes this is why she went in to premature labour. There was a degree and meditation in carrying out your actions in their own home.”

The judge told Butrimovicius that he had a number of previous convictions for assault and disorder and added: “You played the lead role in this attack and inflicted physical injury and caused emotional upset to your victims and only an immediate custodial sentence of 26 months can be justified.”

Recorder Mawhinney told Riley that his position was a little different as he had a lesser role and added: “I have taken into account the numerous references submitted on your behalf, which show another side to you.

“However there is no excuse for what you did so your sentence will be a prison term of 56 weeks which will be suspended for 18 months.

“This will be combined with a six month alcohol treatment requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work. You will also pay £400 compensation.

“You’ve done a lot for other people and in return they have done a lot in getting your sentence reduced.”