ANDREW COOMBER SENTENCED TO 16 MONTHS IN PRISON IN TORQUAY FOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT

A man from Torquay has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after being convicted of assaulting his former partner during a violent attack at her home. Andrew Coomber, 37, of Walnut Road, was found guilty of intentionally strangling the woman, punching her, and causing injuries such as a black eye and bruising. The court heard that the assault took place on December 9, following an argument over texts, which escalated into violence at her residence on Hele Road. It was reported that Coomber had an intense look in his eyes before he placed his hands around her throat, a detail emphasized by the judge. The assault involved him dragging her into the living room, continuing his attack by hitting her twice in the face, throwing her to the floor twice, and grabbing her leg in the process. The woman managed to escape to the toilet, where she discovered she was bleeding and unable to breathe. When police arrived, Coomber claimed he only gave her 'a tap' and pushed her, saying she hurt her head when pushed against a wall. The judge highlighted the gravity of domestic strangulation, noting that individuals who strangle their partners often go on to kill, and assessed that Coomber posed a medium risk of causing serious harm to partners. Although Coomber acknowledged having mental health issues and expressed remorse through his defense, the court determined that immediate custody was necessary to deliver justice for this serious incident of domestic abuse involving strangulation.