POOLE MAN ESCAPES PRISON AFTER STRANGLING GIRLFRIEND IN VIOLENT ATTACK

A man identified as Matthew Lee George Brice has been involved in a violent assault at his former partner's home in Poole. During the incident, Brice attacked his partner by punching her in the head, back, and chest, with the force described as "punches raining down on her with both hands." He also restrained her by grabbing her hair and pulling her toward him before placing his left hand around her neck, causing her to feel as though she was being strangled. The woman managed to call neighbors and shout that "Matt is trying to kill me," while Brice pressed his right hand on her neck and forced her to the ground. As police arrived, Brice attempted to re-enter the property by kicking and knocking over items, also attacking a neighbor and hitting him three times in the back of the head. The victim reported suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following the attack, and she has since taken measures such as carrying a rape alarm and feeling uncomfortable around unfamiliar males. During the trial, Brice was found guilty of intentional strangulation and two counts of assault by beating. The court, at Bournemouth Crown Court, deferred his sentencing to January 12 of the following year, and imposed a five-year restraining order. The judge indicated that if Brice can provide evidence of counseling and support, and maintain good behavior including saving a significant sum of money, his sentence may be suspended; otherwise, he faces imprisonment. The incident stemmed from a night out with friends where disputes arose over texts and food choices, leading to Brice's violence against his partner and neighbor, which occurred in December.