Wrexham man jailed for strangling then-partner while drunk

Carl Jones, of Cefn y Nant in Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Thursday.

The 37-year-old had previously admitted one offence of intentional strangulation, which took place on July 20 this year against his then partner, Shannon Jones.

Anna Price, prosecuting, told the court the victim and defendant were in a relationship for around a year and have a child together.

At around 1am on the day of the offence, Ms Jones noticed the defendant messaging a neighbour and formed the impression he was discussing drugs.

She didn't want substances in her flat, so asked her mum to collect her, but an argument with the "noticeably drunk" defendant ensued.

He kicked her in the leg without warning, causing her to fall, then put his hand tightly around her neck and pushed her to the wall.

Ms Price said the victim was struggling to breathe and couldn't get words out during the strangulation, which lasted between five and ten seconds.

The victim went to her mother's and upon waking up the next day, noticed she had small bruises on her neck.

But in a retraction statement, she later said she wasn't sure if the defendant had caused them.

The court heard the defendant had 18 previous convictions for 26 offences including harassment of an ex-partner, common assault, and an incident involving him strangling an ex-partner.

Carl Jones (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police) Nicholas Williams, defending, asked the court to consider a 'package of intervention' in order to address the defendant's issues, which included his alcohol use.

He said: "I accept on his behalf it must cross the custody threshold and the best mitigation I have is his guilty plea.

"It was a relatively short lived offence.

Mr Williams added his client struggled with depression and wanted to seek the help of mental health services.

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"This whole incident and the inevitable custodial sentence is sad," he continued, "not least because he and the victim have a child together.

"It was hoped by both at the time that this would be an enduring relationship and they'd be a family."

Judge Rhys Rowlands told the defendant: "Plainly you'd had an awful lot to drink and as is clear from your past history, you become aggressive.

"You have a number of offences over the years. This is not a case where realistic punishment could be afforded in the community."

The Judge jailed Jones for 15 months and imposed a five year restraining order to protect the victim.