Winsford man jailed for strangling and assaulting partner

Carl Young, of Brecon Way, has been jailed after admitting to intentional strangulation and assault by beating.

A statement from the victim was heard at Chester Crown Court on Friday (March 8) before Young was sentenced to 16 months behind bars.

She said: “I felt trapped, alone and scared. I felt I was never going to get out of the flat.

“I don’t feel confident or safe anymore. I feel vulnerable around men.

“I flinch every time someone gets too close to me. I am scared every time I see someone in the street who looks like Carl.”

Carl Young (Image: Cheshire Police)

Prosecuting, Helen Chenery said the victim had been the 44-year-old’s friend for several years before entering a romantic relationship in 2022.

However, as the relationship developed, Young began to show 'traits of controlling behaviour', such as monitoring when the victim left the property and who she spoke to.

This came to a head on January 15, 2023, when the victim was on a phone call.

Not liking what he heard, Young 'snatched' the phone.

The victim began to pack her bags but was told she 'wasn't leaving', with Young having deactivated alarms and locked doors, removing the keys.

Young then pushed the victim onto the bed and put her in a choke hold, cutting her lip in the process.

He told the victim: “The only way you are leaving is in a box.”

The victim managed to get hold of Young’s watch and refused to give it to him until he returned her phone.

This angered Young who then strangled her for around 10 seconds.

Police officers arrived and arrested Young, who claimed his earlier comment wasn’t to be taken seriously.

Defending, Sarah Badrawy argued the prime factor was Young’s mental health, for which he previously declined support.

However, he has since engaged with mental health services and is on medication.

Ms Badrawy said: “He deeply regrets his actions.

“He is ashamed of his behaviour and the impact it has had on the victim.

“He recognises the relationship is over and has no interest in attempting to reconcile.”

Sentencing, Judge Eric Lamb outlined Young’s 'substantial history of violent offending'.

This included affray and robbery in 2003, threatening behaviour in 2014, assault in 2016 and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2018.

Reflecting on the incident on January 15, Judge Lamb said Young had 'imprisoned' the victim.

“You said to her ‘the only way you’re leaving is in a box’. I do not accept your explanation it was only a joke and not to be taken seriously," he added.

“It was completely chilling and must have had a substantial impact on the victim.”

Judge Lamb described the strangulation itself as 'repeated and persistent', saying it put the victim in 'grave danger'.

Young must serve half if his sentence before being released on licence. Judge Lamb also ordered an indefinite restraining order.