MAN JAILED AFTER CHOKING EX-GIRLFRIEND WITH DOG LEAD
Taylor Edwards, a resident of Egerton Court in Barrow, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court after admitting charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.The court was informed that the incident was triggered when Edwards refused a request from the complainant to walk her dogs.
Prosecutor Stephen Parker described the incident as a prolonged and severe assault.
He stated: “On March 24, 2025, there was an altercation in the bedroom just before midnight when the complainant woke up with severe back pain.
“The defendant headbutted the complainant and punched her multiple times to the face.
He then started to kick and stamp on her on several occasions before punching her to the body.
“Her body went into shutdown mode.
She said it all felt unreal.” Mr Parker noted that Edwards, aged 33, eventually paused and told the complainant he would not repeat his actions.
However, her request for him to leave sparked further violence.
Mr Parker continued.
She said she started to see stars and went dizzy whilst the defendant was tightening the ligature around her neck.
“She believed he was going to kill her.” The court heard that a neighbour intervened and stopped the strangulation, which ended just in time.
Edwards then left but returned shortly afterward, resuming his attack on his former partner, with whom he had been in a 14-month relationship.
Mr.
Parker described how Edwards threw her onto a wardrobe and then grabbed her hair to push her across the room, leaving her helpless and unable to defend herself.
In her victim impact statement, the complainant said: “He is very kind when sober, but he is an alcoholic.” It was also revealed that Edwards committed these offenses while he was already subject to a community order for a previous assault against the same woman.
Charlotte Phillips, representing the defendant, expressed remorse, stating that Edwards was ‘ashamed’ of his actions.
She explained: “He knows a custodial sentence will follow,” “There has been further offending and a spiral in his alcohol addiction following his mother taking her own life in 2023.
He became homeless and took to alcohol to keep warm.
“He is now completely free of alcohol and has made great progress in custody.
He can live an offence free life for long periods of time when his addictions and mental health issues are under control.” Justice Maher sentenced Edwards to 28 months in prison.
He remarked to Edwards: “She has suffered panic attacks as a result of your actions and is now reluctant to leave the house.
“That is irrational because she knows you are in custody but that is the fear you have left on her in that regard.
You need to leave her alone.” Additionally, a five-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting Edwards from contacting the victim directly or indirectly.
