A NORTHWICH man has been jailed after intentionally strangling a woman.

Stephen Speakman, of Walnut Avenue, Weaverham, appeared at Chester Crown Court on July 5 for sentencing.

The court heard the offence had occurred in Weaverham on November 28 last year.

The 45-year-old had initially denied committing the offence.

But at a court hearing on May 13 earlier this year, Speakman changed his plea to guilty.

Returning to the dock this month to be sentenced, Speakman was jailed for 20 months by Judge Patrick Thompson.

Intentional strangulation has been a specific offence since June 2022 after legislation was introduced to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 as part of the previous Government's Violence Against Women and Girl's strategy. 

Stephen SpeakmanStephen Speakman (Image: Cheshire Police)