A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for strangling his girlfriend and smashing a television during a dispute over money. Corey Parker, of Maes yr Awel, Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, theft, and criminal damage at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday.
The court heard that on February 6, Parker argued with his partner after he returned from his mother's house, where he had gone to ask for money. The couple were low on funds, and when the victim asked if he had obtained any money, Parker became angry and threatened to 'smash her and trash the house'.
Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett said the victim retreated to the bathroom, but when she emerged, Parker grabbed her by the throat and squeezed for five to six seconds, leaving her unable to breathe. He then took her mobile phone, threatening to sell it to prevent her from calling the police. When she attempted to pack a bag to leave, he pushed her onto a settee and threw a small table at the television, shattering the glass.
The victim escaped to a neighbour's house and called the police. Parker fled with a bottle of vodka but was arrested shortly after at his mother's home. The victim later noticed bruising and reddening to her neck over the following fortnight.
The court noted Parker had 10 previous convictions for violent offences, including battery, criminal damage, and assaulting an emergency worker. In mitigation, the defendant read a letter of apology from prison, and his barrister, Jac Brown, said Parker had lost his father at a young age and struggled with schooling but had since gained employment and a job offer upon release.
Judge Rhys Rowlands sentenced Parker to 18 months' imprisonment and imposed a four-year restraining order.
