A SOUTHAMPTON man burst into his ex-girlfriends home and grabbed her by the throat, causing her to struggle to breathe. 

Benjamin Evetts stormed into the flat in Southampton and pushed his former partner to the ground. 

Kneeling over her, he put his thumb to her windpipe, causing her to struggle breathing. 

He then snatched her phone and threw it away so she could not call the police.

The 27-year-old left for around 45 minutes but later came back, causing damage to her home and attacking her again. 

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Grabbing her throat, he pushed her to the floor once more, using her hair to bang her head into the wall while spitting at her. 

Police attended after a neighbour called and arrested him at the scene. 

Evetts, currently residing at HMP Winchester appeared at Southampton Crown Court yesterday. 

He had previously pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage to property valued under £5000.

He was sentenced to two and a half years in jail for the incident which took place on June 15. 

PC Romany Cushing, who led the case, said: “Evetts' actions and behaviour was appalling.

“We do not tolerate any forms of domestic abuse or assault and will relentlessly pursue perpetrators to ensure they face justice.

“I hope this result encourages any victims of domestic abuse to come forward and reassures you that we will take your allegations seriously.”

Contact us on 101, report online, or give information anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or going on their website.

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