Northern Ireland

Man jailed for nine months for choking pregnant girlfriend during row at Christmas

Laganside Court in Belfast
Laganside Court in Belfast Laganside Court in Belfast

A 33-year old man who choked his pregnant girlfriend during an attack over the Christmas period was jailed for nine months yesterday.

The injured woman - who is due to give birth today - had to attend a maternity ward for a check-up in the aftermath of the attack.

Belfast Crown Court heard that Ian Cochrane, a bricklayer of no fixed abode, was on bail for a previous attack on the same woman when he attacked her again last Christmas.

A prosecutor told the court that the couple were in an 'on and off' relationship, and at the time of the attack, she was four-and-a-half months pregnant with his child.

The prosecutor said a row broke out in the early hours of Boxing Day when Cochrane checked the woman's phone and accused her of cheating.

During the row he grabbed her by the neck and started choking her to the point where her legs gave way.

She managed to get to her front door but Cochrane pulled her back inside and bit her hand. The woman lifted a knife and in self-defence cut his arm.

Police attended the scene and Cochrane was arrested. He later pleaded guilty to attacking his partner and to a charge of attempting choking with intent.

The prosecutor concluded by telling Judge David McFarland that the injured party declined to make a victim impact statement and does not seek a restraining order. Saying she was "in labour as we speak", the prosecutor revealed she has said "when he does not have a drink on board, he's fine."

A barrister acting on behalf of Cochrane said her client has fully accepted his actions were "abhorrent" and said he was seeking help for his alcohol problem.