Man jailed for strangling girlfriend in money row

A man who strangled his girlfriend during a heated argument about money has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Corey Parker, 27, lost his temper at their home in Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, on February 6 after returning from his mother’s house empty-handed when the couple were short of funds.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Parker told his victim he would “smash her and trash the house” before grabbing her by the throat for five to six seconds, leaving her unable to breathe.

The defendant then stole her mobile phone, threatening to sell it so she couldn’t call police, and hurled a table at their television set, smashing the screen.

Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett told the court the victim managed to escape to a neighbour’s house whilst Parker left with a bottle of vodka. He was arrested shortly after at his mother’s home.

Parker, of Maes yr Awel, pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, theft and criminal damage. The court heard he had 10 previous convictions for violent offences.

Judge Rhys Rowlands sentenced Parker to 18 months imprisonment and imposed a four-year restraining order at Thursday’s hearing.