Michael Murray, 42, of Backmuir Road, Hamilton, has been jailed for 15 months at Airdrie Sheriff Court after choking his partner so severely that she saw 'black dots' in her vision. The assault occurred on December 15, 2024, at the victim's home in Kilkeel Avenue, Glenboig.
Attack details
Prosecutor Annette Ward told the court that Murray had been drinking during the day and an argument developed around 7pm. He seized his partner by the neck with one hand, squeezing her neck and restricting her breathing. The victim later told police she struggled to breathe and saw black dots in her vision. She managed to break free and felt dizzy afterwards.
Police found the victim extremely distressed with redness visible on her neck, though she did not require medical assistance. Murray told officers he had been in bed when his partner entered the room and 'got in my face', adding: 'I started to put my arm round her then realised I had grabbed her by the throat, so I let go. That's when she started shouting she would phone the police.'
Court comments
Sheriff Derek Livingston stated: 'The Appeal Court has made it clear that compression of the neck is regarded as extremely serious and is most likely to result in custody.' Murray admitted attacking his partner to her injury and the danger of her life.
Wider context
Earlier this year, the Crown Office revealed that 50 per cent of domestic abuse victims have experienced non-fatal strangulation. A spokesman said: 'It is deeply concerning that the dangerous act of strangulation is increasingly prevalent. It takes very little pressure. This is an extreme and distressing form of control and we are determined to tackle it.'
The couple had been together for nearly three years but kept separate addresses.
