Southampton man Jordan Curtis jailed for biting girlfriend in 'drunken domestic violence'

Jordan Curtis, 26, of Redbridge Hill, carried out the assault after flying into a rage, Southampton Crown Court was told.

Ed Elton, prosecuting, said the assault, which took place after a day trip to Bournemouth, was "prolonged and persistent".

He told the court that Curtis verbally abused his victim, adding: "He bit her on the head as well as biting various parts of her body.

"At one stage he clamped his hand over her mouth for about one minute, which restricted her breathing."

READ MORE: Southampton man jailed for stabbing neighbour

But Keely Harvey, mitigating, denied it was a deliberate attempt to suffocate his victim, saying she was still able to breathe through her nose.

Jordan Curtis. Picture: Hampshire police (Image: Hampshire police)

Referring to the time Curtis had spent on remand she added: "His behaviour has been exemplary. He has taken action in various ways to make sure he's never in this position again."

Ms Harvey said the defendant had shown genuine remorse for assaulting his girlfriend and destroying her phone in the same incident in July this year.

"He desperately loves her and wants to be with her for the rest of his life. He knows it's something he will have to work at over a lengthy period of time."

Ms Harvey also referred to the defendant's relationship with alcohol, saying had decided that abstinence was the only way forward.

She told the court: "Hopefully this has proved such a sobering experience he will not be back in this court again."

READ MORE: Klodian Qema jailed for 15 months at Southampton Crown Court

Curtis, who had previous convictions for offences including assault and battery, admitted one count of assault causing actual bodily harm and one of criminal damage.

Judge Nicholas Rowland described the defendant's behaviour towards his girlfriend as "drunken domestic violence".

Referring to the incident in which Curtis put his hand over her mouth he added: "It's a pretty fine line as to whether that amounted to suffocation. It seems to me to be borderline.

"You have serious violence on your record. I very much hope you can turn the corner."

Curtis was jailed for 12 months for assault and one month for criminal damage. The two terms will run concurrently.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook.