Compton man Christopher Flynn tried to strangle Newbury woman with a tea towel
A MAN is awaiting sentence for trying to strangle his partner with a tea towel.
Christopher Flynn attacked the woman in Newbury on or around November 10 last year.
In May, the 52-year-old denied intentionally strangling Elaine Dyson when he appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court.
He was told the case was being sent to Reading Crown Court to be dealt with by a judge and jury on a date to be fixed.
The trial was due to start on Monday, October 23.
Nick Ferrari, prosecuting, then revealed that the charge would be amended to that of attempted intentional strangulation.
Flynn, who was living at Wilson Close, Compton, then changed his plea to guilty, on a basis of facts.
The basis of plea states that Flynn and Ms Wilson were in a relationship at the time.
The pair engaged in an argument at home during which Flynn assaulted her by putting a tea towel round her neck and trying to strangle her with it.
Mr Ferrari told the court: “The Crown says this basis of facts is acceptable as it is supported by the evidence provided.”
Barrister George Joseph, representing Flynn, said: “I would like to apply for a pre-sentence report.
“My client has a number of mental health conditions and perhaps those can be explored with (the) probation (service).
“I would also be grateful for time to write to his GP.”
The defence will argue that Flynn desisted from the attack, which only lasted a few seconds.
He was arrested later that day.
Flynn, who has previous convictions, was refused bail and has been in custody ever since.
District judge Peter Greenfield said: “Eighteen months’ custody seems to be the starting point for the full offence – but this is an attempted (intentional) strangulation.
“It may still result in a custodial sentence, potentially. so I can see the benefit of having a pre-sentence report.”
Meanwhile, judge Greenfield, said, “I’m minded to keep him where he is, given the seriousness of the offence and the potential outcome.”
He denied Flynn bail and remanded him in custody until a sentencing hearing next month.
