'EMOTIONALLY ILL-EQUIPPED' DAD STRANGLED WIFE WHEN SHE SAID SHE WAS LEAVING HIM
A father experienced a shocking outburst when he strangled his former wife after learning that their relationship was ending.James Brenton, who was at his family home in St Keyne, became visibly upset during a conversation about their separation.
The situation escalated when he removed his wedding ring and pressed it against his ex-wife's cheek, before grabbing her neck with both hands and applying pressure.
During a court hearing at Truro Crown Court, it was revealed that their argument had grown tense, culminating in Brenton's act of strangulation.
The court noted that she had difficulty breathing and was concerned about scars from a previous car accident.
Fortunately, she managed to push him away with her feet.
Later, Brenton contacted his mother-in-law to pick up his wife.
The incident took place while their young children were asleep upstairs.
In her victim impact statement, she expressed both physical and emotional pain, and conveyed her shock at his behavior.
She clarified she did not want him jailed because he is a caring father who supports the family, but she no longer wished to be around him.
Brenton was detained that evening and confessed to police, admitting to intentionally strangling her.
His defense team argued that his actions were out of character and that he was genuinely remorseful.
He received a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, along with 100 hours of community service and a five-year restraining order that prevents any contact with his ex-wife except through family or legal arrangements for their children.
