Newcastle man jailed for lethal strangulation of partner

NEWCASTLE MAN JAILED FOR LETHAL STRANGULATION OF PARTNER

A man identified as Jak Hurley, aged 30, formerly residing in Westerhope, has been sentenced to jail for intentionally strangling his partner.

The court was told that Hurley, who has 15 previous convictions including animal cruelty in 2022, attacked the woman after she woke up at his flat.

Prosecutor Joe Culley stated: "He said he thought she was going to leave and if she was, he would drag her back anyway." The incident involved Hurley pulling her back forcefully, then pressing his thumbs against her throat and attempting to suffocate her to the point she felt she was losing consciousness.

Hurley later claimed he was joking.

Hurley pleaded guilty to the charge of intentional strangulation and was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

The judge, Recorder Anthony Dunne, described him as a danger to the public, especially potential future partners, stating it was a "complete mystery" what caused him to attack her in this way.

The court heard Hurley has little insight into the effects of violence and warned that he presents a significant risk to public safety.

The victim had known Hurley since their school days and they had previously been in a relationship that ended about ten years ago but rekindled last year, which then encountered problems.