MAN GETS SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR DOMESTIC STRANGULATION AND ASSAULT
A brutal attack was carried out by Justin Horan, who was accused of strangling and biting his ex-partner.The victim, a mother, fought back valiantly as she was repeatedly bitten on her cheek and strangled.
According to the incident report, Horan argued with her before pushing her onto a bed and pinning her down, which occurred on March 7.
During the altercation, she managed to bite Horan's hand as he covered her mouth, but he moved his hands to her neck, causing her to black out.
Nottingham Crown Court was told that Horan, of Kirkley Gardens, stopped and apologized when she started spluttering.
The victim succeeded in alerting her friends by sending a photo via social media in a group chat, which led to her calling the police.
Ten days after the initial assault, Horan attacked her again at her home, pushing her to the floor.
The prosecution, represented by Catherine Picardo, stated that Horan punched the wall, took her keys, and drove away.
Horan's solicitor, Ben Brown, acknowledged that his client was 'out of control' and drank heavily following his brother's death, which contributed to his behavior.
Horan, aged 40, who worked as a construction worker, admitted to common assault and non-fatal strangulation and is currently on remand.
Judge James Sampson emphasized the seriousness of non-fatal strangulation, warning that many women subjected to such violence are at a higher risk of being murdered.
The court considered that Horan had already served the equivalent of ten months in prison and sentenced him to 16 months, suspended for 21 months, with a ten-year restraining order.
He was also ordered to attend various rehabilitation programs, including a course on building better relationships and alcohol abstinence monitoring, and he must complete 30 days of activity.
The judge expressed hope for positive progress and trusted Horan to seize this opportunity.
