Jail for man who strangled partner during domestic row

Richie Cole, 34, grabbed his partner round the throat during a row which prompted her to call police "seeking their assistance".

Norwich Crown Court heard the victim was bleeding when officers arrived at the address where she was in Great Yarmouth.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said the woman made the 999 call following an argument she had been having with Cole.

He said police arrived within half an hour and found her bleeding from her face.

She also had a split lip.

Mr Ivory said there had been a struggle between the two and, during the course of the argument, Cole "put his hands around her throat causing her to struggle for air".

The victim was not able to tell the officer how long this lasted.

The court heard a restraining order was not being sought by the victim in the case.

Cole, of Plevna Terrace, Yarmouth, appeared at court on Monday when he entered a guilty plea to intentional strangulation on July 30 last year.

Richie Cole (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Danielle O'Donovan, mitigating, said the incident was "very short-lived" and involved a dispute on both sides during which the victim was "pushing the defendant".

She said Cole has mental health issues and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) which has resulted in him "reacting in a way he shouldn't" in certain situations.

She said he had a genuine desire to change and was resuming the relationship with his partner with who he has a young child.

Recorder John Hardy imposed a 15 month prison sentence which should result in Cole's imminent release as he had been in custody for the past nine months.