A Penrith man strangled his wife following a row about the volume of a television.
Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard the incident involved Stanislaw Bury, 41, and his wife of 16 years, at a town address on May 25.
Mrs Bury said her husband was very drunk and that, amid a row over the television volume level, had stood up and grabbed her by the throat with one hand, squeezing so that she could’ve not breathe.
That strangulation lasted for less than five seconds and left the victim with reddening to her neck.
Bury, of Brunswick Road, Penrith — a man with no previous convictions — admitted a charge of intentional strangulation.
Passing sentence, district judge Philip Holden, told Bury the offence had been serious, adding: “Your wife would have been understandably terrified by your actions.”
The judge said it had been a difficult sentencing decision, but concluded there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in the defendant’s case.
As a result he suspended a 12-month jail term for two years.
Bury must complete up to 15 days of rehabilitation work with the probation service, and a 60-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.
The latter means he must wear a tag which will flag up any alcohol consumption during that period of time.
