Lewis Grimshaw from Bartley handed suspended prison sentence by Southampton Crown Court judge after strangling his girlfriend

A teenager has appeared in court after strangling his girlfriend with such force she feared she would pass out.

Lewis Grimshaw (19), of Shepherds Close, Bartley, admitted intentional strangulation, assault by beating, common assault, escaping custody, and harassment, all committed between August and September last year.

Southampton Crown Court heard how Grimshaw and his girlfriend’s relationship, which began in 2022, had started to deteriorate and, during one argument, he “went red with anger”.

Prosecutor Andrew Houston said he began shouting “who the f*** do you think you are?” but despite his victim asking him to stop, he grabbed her, causing her to hit her head on a step.

Grimshaw then shut her out of his home, which left her feeling “treated like a dog”.

Later, he took away her mobile phone and put his hands around her throat before pushing her onto his bed.

Mr Houston said the victim “could barely breathe” and felt like she would pass out.

On another occasion, the court was told, a neighbour heard the victim shouting “you’re hurting me, get off me”.

On 2nd September police went to Grimshaw’s home to speak to him for an unrelated matter, but he fled over a garden fence.

The following day he was found at a house in Hythe and arrested before being released under investigation.

Despite being ordered not to contact her, Grimshaw bombarded his girlfriend with calls, texts and Snapchat messages, saying he loved her and would kill himself.

He also sent a “sinister” message which said: “I just need to say the word, people will come to your house. This is not a threat.”

He also sent a message giving the impression he was watching her, detailing what she was doing and wearing, Mr Houston added.

A victim impact statement read to the court said: “I used to be confident and independent, now I cannot leave the house alone.

“I am unable to sleep alone and have had alarms from the police installed.

“I am terrified he will kill himself. I know what he has done is wrong, but I don’t want him to die.”

Judge Christopher Parker KC sentenced Grimshaw to a 20-month prison term, suspended for two years. He also imposed a 10-year restraining order and ordered he carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.