Darlington thug jailed for strangling woman in drunken rage

Sean Bradley was drinking with a friend and his partner in his Darlington home when he flew into a drunken rage and violently attacked her.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 49-year-old destroyed his ex-partner’s phone before smashing up the house they shared in November last year.

Nigel Soppitt, prosecuting, said the defendant’s victim became concerned about his ‘intimidating’ behaviour after she found him and the friend sprawled on the floor and moved to anther room in the house.

Read more: Darlington thug punched and kicked girlfriend before strangling her unconscious

The court heard how Bradley followed her into the other room before launching his violent attack on her.

He said: “He snatched her phone from her and smashed it on the floor, he picked up and threw it at the television, smashing the screen.

“He then picked up a table with metal legs which he threw at her.

“He then placed his hands around her throat, he was squeezing as hard as he could, she couldn’t make a noise or shout for help, she couldn’t breathe for a period of time.”

Mr Soppitt said she eventually managed to escape the house but Bradley followed her outside and grabbed her by the throat again.

He said the attack only came to an end when she was able to find sanctuary in a neighbour’s home and managed to call the police.

When she returned to her home, she saw the ‘gratuitous’ damage caused by Bradley, he added.

Sean Bradley (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Bradley, now of Highland Gardens, Shildon, pleaded guilty to two charges of non-fatal strangulation and a further charge of criminal damage.

Representing himself in court, he said: “I’m ashamed to be here before you today. There’s no excuse for what I have done.”

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Recorder Harry Vann jailed the defendant for a total of 20 months for all offences.

“This was a devastating event for your victim,” he said. “On November 22, whilst in significant drink, you embarked on 30 minutes of violence and strangled her twice.

“You also destroyed a significant of property inside her home.”

Bradley was also issued with a five-year restraining order to protect the victim.