Liverpool Father Avoids Immediate Prison Sentence for Strangling Partner
A Liverpool father-of-three who strangled his partner during a violent argument at their home has avoided an immediate prison sentence. The assault occurred on December 28 last year, just one day before the defendant's mother's funeral was scheduled to take place.
Violent Altercation Leaves Victim Struggling to Breathe
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Stephen Brown, 34, of Drake Street in St Helens, grabbed his partner Rebecca Jackson by the throat during a domestic dispute. The court was told that Ms Jackson was left struggling to breathe during the attack and begged Brown to stop, telling him "you're going to kill me."
Prosecutor Olivia Randell detailed how the incident unfolded after Ms Jackson had been tidying up following their youngest child being sick. Brown was lying next to the mess, and when Ms Jackson "nudged" him with her foot to move him, he reacted violently by seizing her neck with one hand.
Emergency Response and Initial Police Investigation
The court heard that Ms Jackson's mother dialled 999 after receiving a distressing call from her daughter, who reported that Brown had "tried to strangle her." When police officers arrived at the property, they found Ms Jackson crying and clearly distressed by the violent incident.
Initially, Ms Jackson appeared hesitant when speaking to police officers, expressing concern that Brown needed support rather than punishment. However, she later revealed her frustration about Brown not helping sufficiently with household chores or childcare responsibilities.
Defendant's Account and Family Context
During police interviews, Brown stated that he could not fully remember the incident but recalled Ms Jackson telling him to "stop trying to f***ing choke me." He acknowledged that she "wouldn't lie about this" and admitted his guilt.
The assault occurred during what the court described as a period of significant family pressure, with Brown's mother's funeral scheduled for the following day. Defence barrister Rachel Oakdene told the court that the couple's one-year-old child was present in the property during the assault but did not witness it directly. Brown's two other daughters were out attending a pantomime at the time.
Sentencing Decision and Judicial Remarks
Brown, who has no previous criminal convictions, pleaded guilty to one count of intentional strangulation. He appeared visibly emotional in the dock as Recorder Martine Snowdon delivered her sentencing decision.
The judge imposed a 12-month community order with requirements for up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity and fined Brown £100. In her sentencing remarks, Recorder Snowdon described the case as "a great shame" and noted that Brown had "blew up and frightened her" in circumstances that were difficult for him to manage.
While acknowledging that Brown's actions were dangerous, the judge considered his early guilty plea and the wider context of his family situation. Recorder Snowdon stated she was taking an "exceptional course" in not imposing an immediate custodial sentence, adding that probation supervision could help Brown address underlying issues and reduce the risk of any repeat offending behaviour.
Defence barrister Rachel Oakdene had argued that a custodial sentence would have a devastating impact on the family, particularly given Brown's role as a father to three children and the recent bereavement in the family.
