Lisburn man convicted of non-fatal strangulation is told by a judge his behaviour was ‘absolutely disgraceful’
A Lisburn man has been sentenced to 11 months in prison for the non-fatal strangulation of his ex-girlfriend.
Richard Chestnutt, 41, whose address was given as Limehurst Way, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court via videolink from Maghaberry Prison, where he was on remand after being convicted of assault and non-fatal strangulation.
The court heard that on Friday, May 2, 2025, police attended the defendant’s home address following a report of an ongoing domestic incident.
The injured party, the defendant’s ex-partner, alleged an argument had broken out over a smoke alarm.
It was reported that the defendant assaulted the injured party, leaving scratch marks on her face, and that he put his hands around her throat and applied pressure to the point that she couldn’t breathe.
It was also stated that he poured a bottle of WKD over her head and refused to allow her to leave the property.
In response to questions by the police about the injuries sustained by the injured party, the defendant commented: “No idea how it happened, maybe the dog did it.”
A defence lawyer told the court the defendant continues to deny the charges.
He added: “He denies assaulting the victim and he denies strangling her.”
District Judge Rosie Watters, who had convicted the defendant, commented: “It is absolutely disgraceful behaviour towards the injured party.”
On the charge of non-fatal strangulation, Ms Watters imposed a custodial sentence of 11 months and an offender's levy of £25.
On the charge of common assault, she imposed a custodial sentence of five months.
Leave was granted to appeal the sentence and conviction. The defendant will be remanded in custody until the appeal.