DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER PHILIP ORMONDE SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS IN JAIL

A man known as a 'bully' has been imprisoned for 15 months after strangling his girlfriend and attempting to persuade her to drop the charges. Philip Ormonde, aged 37, attacked his partner of two years while she was sleeping, as reported at Newcastle Crown Court. He admitted three charges including non-fatal strangulation, witness intimidation, and assault. Recorder Anthony Hawkes issued a stern warning, stating that if Ormonde lifts his hands against a woman again, his prison sentence would be 'measured in years.' The court heard that Ormonde had a tumultuous, toxic relationship with the woman, lasting two years. The attack occurred on August 9, when he woke her with his hands around her neck, spat in her face, and yelled abuse. Following the incident, she reported him to the police, and he then messaged her demanding she withdraw her evidence. An additional incident involved pushing and shoving. The woman described living in fear of Ormonde. The judge highlighted the seriousness of strangulation as it inflicts significant distress and fear. After being released on police bail, Ormonde tried to intimidate the woman into dropping the case, but the relationship ended when he was remanded in custody, and he has been in prison for the past seven months. A restraining order was also issued, banning him from contacting the woman for five years. The judge emphasized society's view on violence against women and made it clear that future offenses would result in longer prison terms.