15 January 2024 , 12:05
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A jealous painter and decorator who strangled his partner he met on Facebook Dating on her birthday has been jailed.
Stephen Whittingham exchanged messages with the victim for a few months before they agreed to meet. At first things went well but she became concerned a few months later at his behaviour towards his mother, who he lived with, as he would often shout at her.
He also began to be jealous and on one occasion when they went to a pub for her birthday he banned her from talking to men. The argument later turned violent when they got home and he grabbed hold of the woman's neck with one hand and squeezed until she was struggling to breathe, causing bruising. One another occasion he hit her in the face and she barricaded herself in the bedroom with a chest of drawers. HullLive reported the 41-year-old admitted intentional strangulation, assaulting the woman causing actual bodily harm, assaulting her and harassment at Hull Crown Court.
Oliver Shipley, prosecuting, said: “This would often extend to bitter arguments and outbursts of anger from the defendant. This continued until they returned home where it escalated into fighting.” He added when the relationship ended, Whittingham began sending the woman abusive messages and voice notes. Mr Shipley said: “One of the voice notes warned her not to return or he would kill her."
Whittingham was arrested at his Grimsby home. He was shown photographs of the woman's injuries, but he denied responsibility. Whittingham had convictions for five previous offences, including affray and assault with intent to resist arrest in May 2006. He had a caution for criminal damage in 2021.
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Amber Hobson, mitigating, said: "He acknowledges he has a problematic relationship with alcohol and this has led him to act in an atrocious manner. He remains alcohol-free. He is a defendant who is motivated to change. It appears he has the right insight to do so. He wishes to say he is incredibly sorry to the complainant for what she has suffered at his hands.
"He is motivated to improve himself, better himself and change. He clearly regrets his actions and he knows that alcohol doesn't suit him. He knows it is not the answer to his questions."
Recorder Richard Wright KC told Whittingham: "The relationship was initially a welcome one and a good one. She began to see a different side to you relatively quickly.It was a side that revealed itself through your jealousy and anger and arguments soon began in the relationship. One of the factors that characterised those arguments was drink and the way your behaviour changed by the use of drink. It's fortunate she didn't sustain any serious injury or worse. Men should understand when they put their hands on a woman's throat, there is a serious risk of causing death or permanent injury."
Whittingham was jailed for 22 months. He was given an indefinite restraining order.