PARANOID DAD STRANGLED GIRLFRIEND AFTER ACCUSING HER OF 'HAVING IT AWAY' WITH HIS BROTHER
A man from Salford, Thomas Kavangh, aged 38, was convicted after strangling his girlfriend during a violent confrontation, which stemmed from his suspicion that she had been unfaithful with his brother.Kavangh had been in a relationship with her for around seven weeks.
He had previously admitted to her that he struggled with paranoia and had served time in prison.
The incident occurred after they went to a friend's place for drinks and returned to her flat.
When Kavangh’s brother visited, Kavangh had already left.
His brother warned her that if Kavangh saw them together, he would become jealous and paranoid.
Later, Kavangh returned home and began shouting at her, calling her a 'f****** whore' and threatening that he would 'f****** kill her'.
He physically grabbing her by the hair at the door, forcing her back inside, and choking her.
He accused her of having an affair with his brother and threatened to kill her.
The assault intensified as he threw her to the ground, then, while on top of her, squeezed her neck so hard she could not breathe, a detail outlined by prosecutor Andrew Mackintosh.
The attack included hitting her and banging her head against the floor, ultimately ending when he threw her into a TV.
A neighbor contacted police after witnessing the violence.
Although Kavangh claimed she was drunk and had 'fallen over', he later pleaded guilty.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison for this event on August 14.
The court heard that although the attack left her feeling terrified, shocked, and humiliated, she did not sustain serious injuries.
Kavangh, a joiner and father of two, had previously served five years for robbery and was recalled to serve the remaining sentence after this assault, with release expected in February 2023.
His defense lawyer, Nicholas Flanagan, mentioned Kavangh’s remorse and desire to apologise, noting his acknowledgment of heavy drinking and a problem with alcohol.
He is now studying for a degree in business management and aspires to work as an accountant.
The judge, Patrick Field QC, emphasised the seriousness of the offence, describing it as a prolonged and violent attack that inflicted lasting psychological damage, although physical injuries were limited.
Kavangh, of Eccles New Road, Salford, accepted a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.
