Man jailed for drug attack on ex-partner

A 38-year-old man has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after admitting strangling and punching his ex-partner.

Wayne Keal, of Spilsby Road in Boston, was under the influence of drink and drugs when he arrived at the victim's home in the town shortly after 01:00 GMT on 20 October.

In a statement, the victim said the incident lasted around 40 minutes and she was only able to leave after Keal fell asleep.

Sentencing Keal at Lincoln Crown Court Judge Simon Hirst said he could not suspend the sentence as Keal had twice put his arms around the victim.

The court heard Keal had sent the woman a message threatening to "smash her front door in."

Phillip Plant, prosecuting, said the victim left her front door open as she feared it would be damaged and Keal came upstairs into her bedroom after arriving at her home.

The woman described how Keal put her head in the crook of his arm and then lifted her up which restricted her breathing.

Mr Plant said Keal then flipped his ex-partner over and punched her in the face.

Keal then put his arm around the woman's neck for a second time, and she again feared she would pass out.

She suffered injuries including a swollen jaw, a black eye and bruising.

Tom Heath, mitigating for Keal, said both incidents of strangulation were "fairly short lived" and he had stopped when asked to by the victim.

Mr Heath argued Keal only had two previous convictions for violence and after changing his lifestyle, could now be considered for professional help.

"He had taken cocaine on the night, but has now stopped taking both drugs and drink," Mr Heath added.

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