A man from Northumberland in England who put his hands around his partner's neck, at substantial risk to her life, was sentenced by Judge Sean O'Leary at Kerry Criminal Circuit Court in Tralee yesterday to three years' jail.
Vincent Collins (38), of Kenmare, admitted causing harm to Ms Joanne Povey. Because he had pleaded guilty, the judge reduced a six-year sentence and ordered that on release Collins must not go within 10 miles of his partner's home, their four-year-old son, her parents or their place of employment.
Garda Denis O'Brien said Ms Povey made a complaint that Collins had put his hands around her neck and a pillow or cushion on her face. She could not get her breath back for some time.
A medical report said Ms Povey had marks on her neck as if an attempt had been made to strangle her. Mr John O'Sullivan, prosecuting, said the report described the injuries as a substantial risk to Ms Povey's life.
Garda O'Brien said Collins had 24 addresses in England where he had previous convictions. He said Collins had accepted that he assaulted Ms Povey but claimed he had no memory of it.
Judge O'Leary said Ms Povey had suffered a very frightening experience.