A man admitted putting his hands on his then partner’s neck – but denied throttling her.
Steven Clapton, 47, appeared before Oxford Crown Court on Friday (May 5), when he pleaded not guilty to a charge of intentional strangulation.
He admitted a lesser alternative charge of assault by beating.
Prosecuting, Matthew Knight said the plea was entered on a ‘full facts’ basis ‘including the placing of hands on the neck of [the complainant]; not to the extent it amounts to an offence under section 75A of the Serious Crime Act’.
The assault took place on September 9 last year in Witney.
Asking that the judge adjourn for the preparation of a pre-sentence report from the probation service, defence barrister George Joseph said his client had one previous conviction relating to domestic violence and had benefitted from work he had done with the probation service previously.
Recorder Alexander McGregor agreed to the adjournment, but warned Mr Joseph: “Mr Clapton should be aware that all options – including custody – are under consideration, particularly in the light of his previous relevant conviction."
Clapton, of Weavers Close, Witney, was bailed to return to court on June 2.
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