A Sutton Bridge man who strangled a woman during an argument over a broken dog toy has been given a suspended two-year prison sentence and ordered to pay his victim £2,500 in compensation.
Paul Gray, 52, later admitted a single charge of intentional strangulation. After the assault, he retreated to the loft of the property in Nene Meadows, Sutton Bridge, with a golf club and refused to come out.
Lincoln Crown Court heard that police spent several hours outside the property before Gray eventually agreed to leave for a cup of coffee and an electronic cigarette. He was arrested at 6am on November 23.
Argument began over broken dog toy
The court was told that a physical argument broke out at about 8.45pm the previous day. Gray accepted that he strangled the complainant after she bit his shoulder in an act of frustration.
Gray said he had no recollection of the incident after drinking heavily. The court heard that the victim suffered significant pain in her throat and a bloodshot eye.
Passing sentence, Judge Simon Hirst said Gray had reacted by going behind the victim and behaving “appallingly”. The judge told him: “You squeezed her neck hard. Unsurprisingly it was painful. She was struggling to breathe.”
Judge Hirst added: “She felt she was going to pass out, she felt you were going to kill her.” He said Gray eventually stopped and let go, after which the woman came round on the floor.
Loft stand-off followed assault
The judge also described Gray’s actions after the assault, telling him: “You retreated to the loft and barricaded yourself in and said you were only leaving in a body bag. You were arrested many hours later.”
An impact statement from the victim was read to the court. Leanne Summers, representing Gray in mitigation, said he was of previous good character and accepted responsibility for what had happened.
“He accepts he is to blame for why he is here,” Miss Summers said. “On the day of this offence matters exploded. The way he acted and to the police is extremely out of character.”
Sentence and restrictions
Gray’s two-year prison sentence was suspended for two years. He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work in the community and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Judge Hirst ordered Gray to pay £2,500 compensation to the victim, as well as £150 in court costs. A restraining order was also imposed, preventing him from contacting her.
