Locations
Peterlee, County Durham, SR8
Description
A violent abuser who strangled a woman to the point of passing out has been jailed.
Stuart Benton left the woman fearing like she was going to die, and when she tried to ring 999, he grabbed her phone and smashed it.
In another incident, the 27-year-old pinned the woman down and stripped her clothes off before kicking and stamping on her.
Benton, of Peterlee, was arrested by police after the woman told her mother what had happened.
He was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, two counts of sexual assault, and intentional strangulation.
Benton initially pleaded not guilty to the offences, but changed his plea to guilty on the day his trial was due to start.
He appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday (August 11) where he was jailed for six years and three months.
He was also handed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman.
A spokesman from Peterlee CID, who led the investigation, said:
“Benton is a violent and dangerous individual, who put the woman through unimaginable suffering and pain.
“We’d like to commend her for the strength she has shown throughout the investigation and subsequent court process.
“By standing up to Benton and having her voice heard, she has helped to take a dangerous man off the streets, who poses a clear risk to women and girls.”