A “JEALOUS” man strangled his partner after flooding her phone with messages and calls accusing her of cheating, a court heard.

Gary Lewis sent his girlfriend a large number of text messages and calls during a break-down in their relationship.

His partner said “his behaviour had been very jealous” with him even following her around on occasion.

The 43-year-old went to her Southampton home during an incident in September when he seemed “on edge and stressed”.

He began accusing her of cheating, calling her names before launching himself at her.

Prosecuting, Matthew Lawson told Southampton Crown Court how the victim shouted at Lewis to leave before he put his hand around her throat.

She then used an electronic tablet to hit him over the head before he started repeatedly punching her in the head.

In a statement from the victim, read out by Mr Lawson, she said: “I was fearful for my life.

Daily Echo: Southampton Crown Court. Southampton Crown Court.

“Something has made [him] stop. I have a feeling it may have been the medical marijuana I take for anxiety.

“I feel like a prisoner in my home. I don’t want any contact from him and never want to see him again.

“I have to make sure I use different routes when I go out. This incident has left me feeling very disappointed and shocked.”

The incident was reported to police with a statement made the next day.

Upon being arrested on September 7, Lewis admitted causing injury to his partner and said he had been in drink at the time.

He was later charged with stalking, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

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Mitigating, Peter Asteris said Lewis was “disgraced and full of remorse” adding that he had only gone to the house to seek comfort after his grandmother died.

“He wants to change and wants to improve himself”, he added.

But Judge Nicholas Rowland said it had been a “prolonged” attack adding that “she was vulnerable”.

He did however tell Lewis: “There is clearly a different side to you. It is unfortunate that that side wasn’t on display.”

He jailed him for 20 months and made him subject to a restraining order for five years.

He must also pay a victim surcharge.

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