A Swindon man who punched and strangled his girlfriend has been jailed.
38-year-old Lucien Douglas pleaded guilty to criminal damage, assault by beating and non-fatal intentional strangulation.
The defendant, of Greenfields, South Marston, strangled his former partner, grabbing her by the throat on 1 October 2023.
Just weeks later, on 26 November, assaulted her in South Marston by punching her multiple times to the face. He then caused more than £5,000 worth of damage to her property.
His victim told the court: “I am sad that I let myself end up in such a situation which left me vulnerable and hurt and it also makes me angry with myself for becoming a victim in this way.
“I felt trapped during the relationship and still do as this incident is at the forefront of all I do and has taken over every aspect of my life.”
At Swindon Crown Court on 14 January, he was handed a two-year prison sentence. However, due to serving time on remand in custody – he was released at the hearing.
A five-year restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting contact with the victim.
Local Crime Investigator Darren Chivers said: “Lucien Douglas has been remanded in prison since this incident in November 2023 due to the serious nature of the offence.
“I welcome the sentencing imposed today and thank his victim for her bravery in coming forward and speaking out.
“I hope that the incredible courage shown by her will encourage other people to do the same and give us the opportunity to put a stop to this type of behaviour which cannot and will not be tolerated.
“I have seen the significant impact that this matter has had on the victim and I hope that this sentencing will now give her some form of closure to help her move on from the horrific ordeal she was put through by this perpetrator.”
