Exclusive:South Yorkshire man attacked partner in booze and drug-fuelled rage
His criminal history was laid bare
A man has been jailed for a violent South Yorkshire assault - the second time he has been locked up for strangling his victims.
Walter Smith, aged 30, who was described in court as an “illiterate” traveller, attacked his partner of two months in a rage after a booze and cocaine binge.
Richard Canning, prosecuting, described how the complainant met Smith, from Surrey, on TikTok in April and he had been living with her at her Doncaster address when hell broke loose on June 9.
Mr Canning said: “They had been out drinking and had taken cocaine to stay awake. At 2am the complainant went to bed however the defendant asked to use her phone to look at photos of his children.”
The barrister described how after becoming upset he was consoled by the complainant, however his temper flared when he a message from her ex-partner on her phone.
After “repeatedly” striking the woman to the face, Smith strangled her, then bit her hand and arm to get the phone from her grip.
As she fled the property, Smith’s victim could hear him “smashing up” various items inside. When police arrived he had fled, however he returned later - smashing a window to get in, said Mr Canning.
He described how as she returned home from hospital she found Smith inside, who showed “no remorse”, telling her she “deserved it”. Police arrived soon and arrested Smith after she covertly dialled 999.
The court heard he had eight previous convictions for 16 offences including assault with actual bodily harm, strangulation and criminal damage for which he had previously been jailed.
His barrister Michael Cane-Soothill told the court Smith was from the “travelling community”, and since being remanded he was “enjoying” his time at HMP Doncaster.
Mr Cane-Soothill said on the night of the assault he had taken ADHD medication which he knew he should not drink on.
Recorder Caroline Sellars noted that “troublingly for the courts” Smith had a very similar previous offence on his record for which he had been was jailed.
She told him: “You took the decision to go out knowing you had taken your medication - you chose to drink alcohol and take cocaine.
“She was vulnerable in her own home. Strangulation often leads to death - it’s taken very seriously by the courts. The only appropriate punishment is immediate custody.”
Smith, of Mansfield Drive, Merstham, Redhill, Surrey, admitted intentional strangulation, assault with actual bodily harm and criminal damage. He was jailed for two years and handed a five-year restraining order.