Shocked neighbours watched a man choke his terrified partner in a Larkhall street.
William Macauley, 37, was jailed for 16 months for putting the woman through a “horrendous” experience.
He was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court after he admitted assaulting her outside her home in Riverside Road on May 10 while on bail for another matter.
Neil Thomson, prosecuting, said the couple had been in an on-off relationship for four years.
He told the court: “About 1.30am they were together in the street.
“Witnesses in various houses could hear them having a heated exchange.
“At one point they saw Macauley grab the woman by the neck. He appeared to be choking her with his hands.
“While this was going on he was pushing her against a garden fence.
“He then released his grip. His partner could be heard screaming at him to go away.
“Some witnesses were concerned and the police were contacted.
“Officers found her very intoxicated, upset and distressed.
“She appeared to have red marks on her neck but did not cooperate with the police investigation.”
Defence lawyer Scott Jones said Macauley “accepts full responsibility” for his actions.
The solicitor added: “There are no excuses. He expresses regret for something that must have been horrendous for this woman.”
Sheriff Louise Gallacher noted Macauley has a record for violence and said only a prison sentence was appropriate. The 16-month stretch was backdated as he has been in custody since May.
Sheriff Gallacher told Macauley: “From the victim impact statement, it’s clear your actions have had a profound impact on her.”
The sheriff, who heard the couple’s relationship is now over, also imposed a five-year non-harassment order.
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