HAMILTON MAN CHOKED PARTNER UNTIL SHE SAW ‘BLACK DOTS’
A victim of domestic violence was restrained to the extent that she had difficulty breathing and saw "black dots" appear before her eyes.The individual responsible, Michael Murray, has been cautioned that he may face imprisonment as judicial authorities tighten restrictions on strangulation offenses.
This incident was detailed at Airdrie Sheriff Court, where it was revealed that Murray assaulted his partner at her residence on Kilkeel Avenue in Glenboig on December 15, 2024.
The 41-year-old, who resides on Backmuir Road in Hamilton, pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing injury and risking her life.
The couple had been in a relationship for nearly three years but maintained separate living arrangements.
Prosecutor Annette Ward stated, "On the day of the assault, Murray was at his partner's home." "During the day, he had been drinking, and around 7 pm, an argument ensued." "The situation escalated when Murray grabbed his partner by the neck with one hand." "He applied pressure to her throat, impeding her ability to breathe.
She later informed police that she was struggling to breathe and was seeing black dots in her vision." "The accused continued to squeeze her neck until she managed to free herself.
Afterwards, she felt dizzy." Police officers observed her to be highly distressed.
There was redness on her neck, but she did not seek medical treatment.
Ms.
Ward added that Murray explained to officers that he had been in bed when his partner entered and "got in my face." He further stated, "I started to put my arm around her then realized I had grabbed her by the throat, so I let go.
That's when she started shouting she would call the police." Sheriff Derek Livingston postponed sentencing until the following month to allow for background checks and an assessment for electronic tagging.
He cautioned Murray, saying, "I'll continue to grant bail, but the Appeal Court has emphasized that neck compression is considered extremely serious and is very likely to lead to custody." He concluded, "I haven't made a final decision yet, but you should be prepared for that possibility."
