Derry Court: Jail for man who punched and strangled former partner

A man who punched his former partner in the face and tried to strangle her has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Patrick O'Kane (34) of Milldale Crescent in Derry admitted charges of assault, criminal damage and resisting police on September 23 last.

The court heard that police were called to a report of a domestic incident and the injured party said her boyfriend was 'going mad'.

Police were outside the property and heard a smashing noise then the defendant and the injured party appeared engaged in a physical altercation and had to be separated.

O'Kane was placed in handcuffs and the woman said that they had been out separately and when they returned home the defendant 'just went mad'.

She said he smashed the backdoor glass, the door of the microwave and damaged cups in the kitchen.

She said he had punched her in the face and tried to strangle her.

Defence solicitor Paddy McGurk said the defendant knew he had placed his liberty in jeopardy.

He added the conduct was 'outrageous and unacceptable'.

O'Kane was jailed for 8 months.