A CARLISLE man 'completely lost control' as he attacked his former partner, throttling her so violently her vocal cords were damaged, a court heard.

A crown court judge imposed a suspended jail term on 34-year-old Jonathan Smith after hearing that – while affected by alcohol – he deliberately subjected his ex-partner to 'strangulation' in her own home.

The defendant admitted an assault causing actual bodily harm.

The court heard that Smith, of Montreal Street, Carlisle, carried out the attack on October 11 last year, within two weeks of the end of his 12-year relationship with the woman and while he was 'sofa-surfing'.

Before the violence, there was an exchange of text messages in which he used verbally abusive language towards his former partner. That ill-feeling culminated in him going to her Carlisle home and assaulting her.

Kim Whittlestsone, defending, told the court: “He was finding the break-up extremely difficult but the situation is vastly different now.

“He has secure, private rented accommodation; he is in full-time employment and he is aware that the relationship between him and his ex-partner is at an end.

"They are moving forward.”

The barrister said there had been no previous domestic violence in the relationship.

“It appears that matters have cooled down and common sense has prevailed,” continued Miss Whittlestone. “They are now pursuing mediation; this was a 12-year relationship.”

Recorder Andrew McLoughlin told Smith: “In my judgement, this was a serious offence. It wasn’t prolonged but it looks as if you have completely lost all control and that may be because of the sting of the ending of your relationship.

“However, what you did, by purposely putting your hands around the throat of [the victim], was you involved yourself in strangulation of her; and her vocal cords were temporarily damaged…

“It was committed in her own home and in a domestic context. It was further aggravated by the fact that you were in drink.”

The judge noted the defendant’s previous 'exemplary good character', concluding that the assault was completely out of character for Smith.

The defendant's former partner had also implored the court not to jail him, said the judge.

Recorder McLoughlin imposed a one-year jail term, suspended for two years.

Smith must complete 35 days of rehabilitation within the next year. He must also pay a £156 victim surcharge and £200 prosecution costs.

The Recorder declined to impose a restraining order.