A thug with a "history of domestic abuse" pinned down his partner before violently strangling her, a court heard. 

Samuel Quinton had eyes "red with hatred" and was foaming at the mouth as as he pinned her down on the bed by her wrists at their home in Steep Close.

Southampton Crown Court heard Quinton, 35, then tried to spit at her before holding her by the throat and shaking her "violently".

Police arrested Quinton at the house and he was charged with intentional strangulation. He denied it but then admitted the offence on the first day of his trial.

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The couple had been arguing before the incident, at which point the victim had gone to sit on her bed.

Outlining the prosecution case at sentencing, Rachel Bailey said: "There is a history of domestic abuse between the defendant and the complainant. 

"She has recurring nightmares of his abuse, particularly when he strangled [her]."

Judge Nicholas Rowland said Quinton had shown "late remorse" after the victim attended court. 

Addressing the defendant, he said: "[It is] a terrible thing, putting your hands around her neck.

"Somebody you should have been looking after, somebody who was vulnerable in her own home.

"I very much hope that your life is going to take a different course. She needs protection from you."

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Quinton, who has previous convictions for domestic abuse offences, was jailed for 18 months on Monday. 

He also received a three-year restraining order banning him from contacting his victim. 

Lucy Taylor, mitigating said her client has "made very productive use of his time in custody" adding that he is in touch with the organisers of Alpha, an evangelistic course which seeks to introduce the basics of the Christian faith.

"There is limited availability for anyone in custody. He has taken steps to better himself.

"He has no intention to continue or to speak with the victim again. His focus will be his relationship with god."

  • If you need support in Southampton to do with domestic abuse, call PIPPA Helpline on 023 8091 7917 or call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.