Hull Man Jailed for Strangling Pregnant Girlfriend in Domestic Assault

Mike Barnicoat, 30, from Princes Avenue in Hull, was convicted of intentionally strangling his pregnant girlfriend and assaulting her. The incident occurred during a dispute over her disapproval of one of his friends, whom she wanted to leave the house because of his criminal past. Hull Crown Court heard that Barnicoat became increasingly angry and frustrated, ultimately grabbing his girlfriend with his left hand, lifting her off the ground, and holding her throat, causing her to be unable to breathe for several seconds. She was frightened during the assault and expressed concern about what he might do when she was pregnant and not. Barnicoat admitted to the police that he had assaulted her and expressed remorse, acknowledging he had no previous convictions. His lawyer stated he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, fully accepted his fault, and was disgusted with himself. Barnicoat, who had three children including a two-month-old baby, was found to have been under the influence of cannabis at the time of the assault. Judge Alexander Menary sentenced him to one year in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of restricting someone's breathing and that this attack took place in her home. Barnicoat was also unemployed and on bail during the incident.