A MAN who strangled and pushed his partner has been handed a community order by magistrates and sent on a course to help build better relationships.

Samuel Brendan White, of Priory Farm in Hook, pleaded guilty to beating his former partner at a court hearing today (Wednesday).

Magistrates' heard how the woman, who The Gazette has chosen not to name, was left "frightened" after White became enraged on March 15, 2020.

The pair got into an argument after the woman had got out of the shower.

The 34-year-old then strangled her and shoved her, the court heard. 

Miss Prince, prosecuting, said: "The woman heard White when she was in the shower and told him to go downstairs and when she went into the bedroom, she asked him to go but he hurt her. 

“The two of them got into an argument and offensive comments were made. He strangled her, causing her to gasp, and left a red mark on her throat.  

“He then proceeded to push her and punched a plastic pint glass.” 

Prosecution said the victim was so frightened, she asked the defendant to leave but he initially refused. 

As the woman cleared up the bathroom following the assault, Miss Prince said their daughter had "heard everything" and said: "Mummy, I'm scared." 

Representing White, his solicitor Mr Chandler, said his client had mental health problems and was a man of good character.

He told the court: “Mr White is a man of good character and pleaded guilty.  

“He has mental health problems and was dealing with a relationship breakdown and someone [a friend] who was terminally ill.  

“He took antidepressants in 2015 and four years later by Christmas 2019, he made a fresh start with his partner which did not work out and he stopped taking his antidepressants.” 

White was given a mental health assessment after he attempted to take his own life, the court heard in mitigation. 

Since returning to work in Basingstoke, White was also seeking help for his alcohol problems. 

Mr Chandler continued: “He has shown considerable remorse for what he has done, and he agreed and understood the stress it caused his former partner."

The defence told the court he is a "family man" and "cares for his children on a regular basis."

Miss Sayer, magistrates' chair, served White with a community order to last for two years and six months and ordered him to complete a course on building better relationships. 

The defendant will also have to pay back to the community with 40 days unpaid work. 

“If you break any requirements, your sentence will be increased, and you will go to prison," the magistrate warned. 

“We recognise you have been trying to get help and recognise that,” Miss Sayer continued. 

White was also fined £85, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85. 

There will also be a restraining order of two years, in which White has been prohibited from contacting his former partner, except via a third party.  

Speaking after the court proceedings, the victim said: "The defendant does not care for his children on a regular basis. To safeguard my children, I have decided only supervised contact for once a week at this time." 

  • If you are suffering from domestic violence, you can contact Hampshire Domestic Abuse Advice Line on 03300 165 112. A refuge is available 24/7. More information here.