A father and son have been jailed for the violent theft of a pug puppy from an Abergavenny woman.

Thomas Stokes, 47, and son Martin, 23, travelled from the West Midlands to Liz Swain’s Abergavenny home, posing as buyers of three pedigree puppies.

The duo then punched Mrs Swain multiple times - leaving her bloodied - before fleeing with a puppy worth £1,200.

Thomas Stokes had told Mrs Swain he planned to surprise his daughter with the pedigree puppy as a present. He then assaulted the dog breeder as she tried to stop him from leaving with the prized pups.

The court heard Mrs Swain fell while trying to chase the men. She later required hospital treatment.

In her victim statement, she said the incident had a ‘profound effect’ on her life and left her an ‘absolute wreck’.

Thomas Stokes from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, was sentenced to five years in prison for admitting theft and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Martin Stokes from Derbyshire was sentenced to 10 months in prison for admitting conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Thomas Stokes had 23 previous convictions, while his son had 30 previous convictions, the court was told.

In sentencing, Judge Patrick Curran QC told the defendants, ”It is well known pedigree dogs fetch high prices. You planned the offence with the prospect of making a significant gain for yourself. You were quite prepared to use any degree of force.”

After the hearing, Detective Constable Mark Price, who led the investigation for Gwent Police, said, “This was one of the lowest forms of criminal behaviour I have had to deal with.

“The offenders have gone the victim’s home on the pretence of buying a puppy and when it was evident that the victim was alone and vulnerable, she was assaulted and the pug was stolen.

“The pugs are the victim’s life and she bravely decided that the criminals were not getting away with it. In the struggle, she was punched in the face, requiring hospital treatment.

“Today, the judge has handed down sentences which show the seriousness of the offence and I hope it shows that criminals that stoop this low will always get what they deserve.”