A MAN who strangled his then-partner twice and threatened to kill her has been jailed.

Thomas Jones, 35, of St Mellors Road, Buckley, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment at Mold Crown Court today (April 3).

He had previously admitted two counts of intentional strangulation, and one charge of making a threat to kill.

READ MORE:

New costs of parking permits in Denbighshire take effect

Rhyl Golf Club to re-open after 15 months' closure

Rhyl mum with incurable cancer praises ‘fantastic’ Glan Clwyd care

Prosecuting, Catherine Elvin told the court that Jones and Lisa Dixon became involved in argument at her home in Gronant, near Prestatyn, on December 16, 2023 when “matters escalated”.

Ms Dixon told him: “We are done,” before asking him to leave her home; he said he would do so, but was “getting his TV first”.

Jones went into her living room and attempted to take the TV, which Ms Dixon tried to record him doing on her mobile phone.

He then forced against a window, before grabbing her around her neck for about 10 to 15 seconds.

When she told him she was going to call police, he replied: “What are they going to do? You’ll be dead by the time they get here.”

Jones later grabbed her around her neck with both hands, before pushing her against a staircase.

“This time, I’m going to strangle you and I’m not going to let go… I’ve told you I’ll kill you,” he told her.

Again, she felt unable to breathe, and said Jones looked “possessed” as he strangled her a second time.

Ms Dixon added that she feared for her life, and suffered bruising and pain to her neck, as well as soreness when swallowing food.

Defending Jones, who had four previous convictions for as many offences including for previous domestic matters, Ryan Rothwell said his client now has “genuine recognition of the need for change”.

“He’s simply never learnt the effective ways of dealing with conflict in a domestic setting,” he added.

Jones had been remanded in custody since the day of the incident, having never previously experienced prison.

Sentencing, Recorder Wyn Lloyd-Jones told Jones that he was responsible for a “prolonged, determined incident”.

He added: “In incidents like this, sometimes, people die. This case is an escalation in your criminal behaviour.

“Don’t commit offences when you come out, otherwise you will be getting an almighty sentence.”

Jones will also pay a statutory surcharge upon his release from prison.