Norwich man strangled partner after she refused to have sex

The woman had been in a relationship with Keith Edwards, 37, for two years when an argument broke out between the pair at his Norwich home.

Norwich Crown Court heard "the argument developed between the two of them because she had refused his request for sex".

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said after the row between the pair - who had both been drinking - broke out in the bedroom Edwards got behind her and "squeezes her neck".

The woman, who had tried to tell him to "get off", was "very frightened" and "bit his arm".

Edwards - who has convictions against previous partners, including one who refused to kiss him - then let her go but locked the front doors so she could not get out.

Police were forced to break down the door to get into the property following the incident, which happened at about 5pm on April 28.

After the woman got out of the property she told officers "get me away", adding "he strangled me".

Edwards, of Elizabeth Fry Road, Norwich, appeared at court on Friday after he admitted intentional strangulation.

Jailing Edwards for 21 months, Judge Andrew Shaw said Edwards was a dangerous offender.

Judge Andrew Shaw (Image: Newsquest) He said he had wrapped his hands around the neck of his partner who thought she was going to be raped after refusing to have sex with him.

Judge Shaw said Edwards only released her because she bit him and then locked her in.

He said: "This offence is so serious only an immediate sentence of imprisonment is justified".

Andrew Oliver, for Edwards, said he was alcohol dependant at the time of the incident but has since sought help and had shown "a great deal of remorse".

He said the incident of strangulation was "not long".