Northumberland Man Jailed for Strangling Partner After Harrowing Recording

NORTHUMBERLAND MAN JAILED FOR STRANGLING PARTNER AFTER HARROWING RECORDING

A man named Sam Garbutt has been sentenced to prison for a violent assault on his then-partner.

The victim, who had been in a relationship with Garbutt for around three years, recorded a harrowing incident where Garbutt became physically aggressive.

On January 11 last year, while she was watching TV, Garbutt became verbally aggressive and then physically assaulted her by putting both hands around her neck and squeezing tightly while shouting at her.

He also placed one hand over her mouth, strangling her and telling her to be quiet.

The woman, fearing she would lose consciousness, bit him on the hand, which caused him to release her grip temporarily.

However, he then resumed strangulation, squeezing her even harder, until she managed to call 999 after she escaped.

The court heard Garbutt's reaction to the evidence, which included a recording made by the victim, was one of horror, with Garbutt describing the footage as 'f***ing horrific'.

Initially, Garbutt claimed he had consumed alcohol and that they had been having sex, but upon seeing the recording, he admitted the abuse.

The victim expressed that she now feels scared and fearful of further relationships, suffering from flashbacks and ongoing health issues related to the attack.

Garbutt, who has no prior convictions, pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, along with a ten-year restraining order.

His defense described his actions as 'odious and repugnant', and notes from character witnesses indicated remorse.

The court's decision follows the presentation of shocking evidence, including a recording that evidences the attack.