Domestic abuser jailed for strangling partner and intimidating witness

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 00:38 · Archive

Reece Sweet, 23, from Gateshead, has been jailed for two and a half years for assaulting and strangling his partner and threatening her to withdraw evidence.

Reece Sweet, 23, from Gateshead, attacked his then partner during their year-long relationship. According to Newcastle Crown Court, Sweet flipped the mattress while the woman was asleep, causing her to fall to the floor, then threatened and assaulted her before strangling her for several seconds until her breathing became restricted and her vision became blurry.

Sweet admitted charges of strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and witness intimidation. After the victim reported some matters to police, Sweet threatened her and her new partner to withdraw the allegations, telling her he would 'make her life hell' if she did not comply. The judge noted the woman was genuinely afraid he would harm her and described the intimidation as 'an extremely serious example of witness intimidation'.

Sweet was sentenced on Monday to two and a half years in custody. This sentence comes on top of an existing 44-month prison sentence he was already serving for false imprisonment, assault and dangerous driving involving another woman, also related to false imprisonment and assault charges. The victim issued a statement saying she had forgiven Sweet and believed he deserved a second chance, but the court proceeded with the sentence regardless.

How it is being reported

• Gateshead man jailed for attacking partner despite her saying 'he deserves second chance'Reece Sweet strangled the woman to a point where her breathing became restricted and her vision became blurry, a court heardChronicleLive · 3 Nov, 00:11
• Abuser threatened to make victim's life 'hell'Reece Sweet is jailed for two and a half years for strangulation and witness intimidation.BBC Tyne And Wear · 2 Nov, 12:24

In this story: Reece Sweet · Newcastle Crown Court · Gateshead

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