A north Cumbrian man who choked a colleague during what was described as a stupid prank at a Carlisle workplace has been sentenced in court for an offence of intentional strangulation.
James Hales, now 27, found himself in the dock at the city’s crown court after an incident at a business premises on the Kingstown Industrial Estate on August 28 2024.
During initial mucking about between employees in a warehouse, Hales had grabbed a handful of foam but was told to put it down due to it potentially being harmful.
Hales then said to a male colleague: “I could easily put you to sleep.”
When the male replied “don’t be stupid”, Hales responded: “It would just take two seconds.”
CCTV footage showed Hales twice placing an arm around his colleague’s neck and, on the second occasion, this had a significant impact.
Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson said: “It is clear from the footage, after just a few seconds, he lost consciousness and went limp in the arms of Mr Hales, and slipped to the floor unconscious.”
The prosecutor concluded: “It is a stupid prank which demonstrates the inherent danger of performing an act like that.”
The victim had felt pain in his leg as he came around soon after the incident.
In an impact statement, he described feeling stressed out by what had happened, spoke of a loss of strength to his knee and an adverse affect on social activities.
He was unable to walk a dog and needed time off work.
Hales, of Rockcliffe, near Carlisle, admitted intentional strangulation.
The court heard he had made full admissions when interviewed by police, had acknowledged the complainant had a right to report the incident and complied with disciplinary proceedings at work.
“He immediately appreciated the stupidity of his actions,” said barrister Brendan Burke, mitigating.
Passing sentence, Judge Michael Fanning accepted it had not been a malicious act and said he distinguished the case from others involving violence with strangulation.
The judge imposed a 12-month community order.
Hales must complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation work, complete 80 hours’ community service and pay the man £500 compensation.
