Man jailed for strangling partner in Cardiff attacks

A Cardiff man who strangled his girlfriend during an argument about “unfaithfulness” and later confronted her outside her home has been jailed for 72 weeks.

Abul Kalam, 47, of North Luton Place, assaulted his then-partner on 6th June at a friend’s house in Cardiff. He grabbed hold of her throat with both hands and squeezed to the point the victim felt “suffocated” and panicked, though she did not lose consciousness.

Four days later, on 10th June, there was a second incident when the victim was walking home. She saw Kalam and kept her hood up hoping he wouldn’t see her, but he approached and placed her in a headlock.

He told the victim: “You’re coming with me.”

The victim struggled, dropped her bag and punched the defendant to break free. She managed to escape and reached her front door, but Kalam grabbed hold of her again before she broke free of his grip and closed the door.

Kalam was later arrested and found in possession of a small amount of cocaine for personal use.

He pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, assault by beating and possession of a class A drug at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday.

In mitigation, Kevin Seal said his client has two children and when sober and on medication, he is a “fit and capable man” and able to work. He is a qualified plumber.

Judge Eugene Egan sentenced Kalam to 72 weeks imprisonment.