Basildon abuser told victim 'you've pushed me to this'

Michael Halford, 35, of Stagden Cross, Basildon, was locked up for more than four years on Friday after a series of attacks on his former partner.

In one incident, he punched her following an argument and in another he delivered a “sucker punch” after telling the victim she “pushed” him to attack her.

Another incident in November saw the victim punched in the mouth causing swelling on her lip while she was driving.

Halford then dragged the victim into the house saying “I don’t care if people see”, before strangling her until she lost consciousness.

After the victim had breast surgery in Belgium, which Halford was aware of, another bedroom argument saw Halford punch the victim which meant her implant had to be surgically removed.

Halford pleaded not guilty three times before changing his plea on August 22.

He appeared in Basildon Crown Court charged with assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation, on February 9.

Judge Samantha Cohen said: “It is plain to me based on what happened in this case that you have no respect for her and betrayed her trust.

“On five separate occasions to which you pleaded guilty you showed a complete lack of self-control.”

Ed Renvoize mitigated on Halford’s behalf.

He said: “Mr Halford understands the way in which he acted was totally unacceptable, violent, aggressive, demeaning and abusive.

“He now appreciates acting in this way has only one outcome, a prison sentence of some length.

“Mr Halford has asked that I apologise on his behalf and I do so but he does understand that counsel saying sorry on his behalf may mean very little considering what he put the victim and her family through.”

Halford was sentenced to four years and two months in prison for intentional strangulation, assault by beating and assault occasioning actually bodily harm.

He was also given an indefinite restraining order against the victim and her family.