Hartlepool man Callum Grainger sentenced at Teesside Crown Court for strangling his fiancee
A man who strangled and assaulted his fiancée has avoided immediate imprisonment.
Callum Grainger, aged 25, put his hands around his partner’s throat following a meaningless argument at the home they shared, Teesside Crown Court heard.
When Grainger’s fiancée got up to leave the room, he punched her in the ribs, the court heard.
Later when she tripped over during a scuffle he grabbed her by the throat with both hands and squeezed her throat.
The court heard she was unable to breathe and gasping for air.
The judge, Recorder Paul Reid, told Grainger: “This is one of the most frightening things that can happen to someone.
“It’s extremely dangerous. Even brief strangulation can result in serious injury and even death.”
Grainger later apologised and begged her to stay, which she did. But during another argument a few weeks later he pushed her causing an injury to her lip and cheek.
He pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, battery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, which dated back to 2023.
In an impact statement, his partner said: “Nobody should be treated that way by a partner who loves them. It shattered my trust in him forever.”
In mitigation, defence barrister Stephen Constantine said Grainger had been drinking to try to overcome mental health issues, but was now sober.
Recorder Reid accepted he had also shown “genuine remorse”.
Grainger, of Lister Street, Hartlepool, wrote a letter to the judge in which he described his behaviour as “outrageous”.
He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years, and ordered to do 250 hours of unpaid work plus up to 30 rehabilitation activity days.