A MAN who poured petrol over a woman and threatened to set her on fire has been jailed for 14 years.

Luke Roberts, 32, “tortured” his terrified victim after he subjected her to a catalogue of horrific physical and mental abuse.

He also slashed her with a knife, threatened to electrocute her in the bath, strangled and repeatedly punched her 50 to 60 times in the face.

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The woman feared for life during her nightmarish ordeal.

Roberts, formerly of Newport, now of George Street, Cwmcarn, Caerphilly, was found guilty of wounding with intent following a trial.

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He was also convicted by a jury of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and administering a noxious substance.

The defendant had denied the charges against him.

Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett read part of the complainant’s victim impact statement to the court.

She said: “I have physical scars and suffer from night terrors and flashbacks.

“I am petrified of knives. I live in constant fear and I am always looking over my shoulder.

“My dignity has been stripped away from me.”

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Roberts has 10 previous convictions for 20 offences.

Mr Bennett said: “On September 23, 2008, the defendant was jailed for six years for a Section 18 offence, wounding with intent.

“That involved him shooting a man in the face repeatedly with a ball bearing gun after being held down.”

Roberts also has previous convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm against another woman.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told the defendant: “You had a jerry can and you poured petrol all over her.

“She said she could feel her body stinging and burning.

“You stood there with a lighter and told her you would light her up.

“You said, ‘You think I won’t do it.’ You said you would set her on fire.”

The judge added: “You prevented your victim from having hospital treatment and you bit her nose.

“You pose a significant risk and you are a dangerous offender.

“You tortured her mentally and physically and she quite rightly feared for her life.”

The defendant was handed an extended jail sentence of 14 years.

He will have to serve a 10-year custodial term as well as four years on extended licence.

Outside the court, Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Chaplin from Gwent Police said: “The victim in this case endured a harrowing experience and has had to relive it through a difficult court case.

“Her courage, strength and support has seen Roberts jailed for his crimes.

“I’d also like to thank the investigation team who worked tirelessly on this challenging case to bring the defendant to justice.”