Malvern man hit victim in face and strangled her, court hears

As previously reported Paul Smith initially denied his offences but changed his plea ahead of a trial earlier this year. 

The 37-year-old, of Buttercup Walk, Malvern, turned up with a bag for his sentencing at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, (May 22), in preparation for a jail sentence. 

Laura Coten, prosecuting, said Smith got into a relationship with the victim in January last year but over the months the victim noticed he began to change. 

The prosecutor said, on July 31 at Smith's home he became abusive and it turned physical. 

AVOIDS JAIL: Paul Smith, seen leaving Worcester Magistrates Court after an earlier hearing (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

The court heard Smith hit the victim in the face with her suffering bruises.

The prosecutor said when she tried to go home Smith then threatened to kill himself.

On August 1, the victim woke up with Smith demanding to see her face, and when she tried to leave again the victim couldn't find her keys believing the defendant had hidden them from her. 

Later, after an argument with his mum, the victim said Smith had taken it out on her by getting her in a chokehold before she managed to escape.

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The prosecutor said the victim suffered post-traumatic stress after being choked in the past and Smith had known about this when they began the relationship. 

In her personal statement, read out to the court, the victim said Smith had told her his family were not to be messed with and she had worried about the repercussions of it being reported to police. 

"I did not deserve what happened to me," the victim said. 

COURT: Smith appeared at Worcester Crown Court (Image: Hereford Times)

"I just want this to be over and done with."

The prosecutor added the offence was aggravated by Smith's eight convictions which included battery and assault. 

Smith, who admitted intentional strangulation and assault causing his victim actual bodily harm, was defended by Lee Masters.

The barrister told the court Smith was "genuinely remorseful" for his behaviour and what had happened, but was under no illusion he could go to prison. 

Mr Masters said Smith had suffered a stroke and had mental health issues as result. 

The barrister said, although not an excuse, Smith's health did provide an explanation as to why he committed the offences. 

Sentencing Smith His Honour Judge James Burbidge KC called the defendant's behaviour "despicable" and said his offending had been serious towards a vulnerable victim. 

The judge sentenced Smith to 20 months in prison but suspended the sentence for 18 months. 

Smith was told to complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and was placed on a four-month curfew. 

Smith was also told to pay £400 in compensation to the victim and handed a three-year restraining order preventing him from contacting her.