A NORTHWICH man accused of strangling his ex-boyfriend and engaging in a controlling relationship has been found not guilty.

James Higgie, of Butterworth Road, had been due to stand trial over these matters and appeared at Chester Crown Court on October 7.

The 40-year-old had been accused of isolating the man from his friends and family, harassing him, controlling his finances, and causing issues with his employment.

He was also alleged to have intentionally strangled the man in March last year.

Higgie denied these charges and was cleared of the offences when he returned to the dock this month.

But at this hearing Higgie did admit to a charge of criminal damage and a further offence of assault by beating.

The court heard the assault took place on March 25, 2023, while the the criminal damage offence related to an incident in February that year in which Higgie damaged his victim's birth certificate.

While clearing Higgie of the strangulation and controlling behaviour charges, judge Steven Everett handed him a six month conditional discharge for the assault and criminal damage offences.

Higgie must now stay out of trouble during that time or face returning to court.