A man who choked his partner until she “saw strange colours” is due to be sentenced at Haverfordwest magistrates today (Wednesday).

Ian Gahan, 42, of The Stables, Hayscastle, admitted assaulting Kimmy Beverage when he appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court on January 4.

During that hearing prosecutor, Ellie Morgan, said Gahan and Ms Beverage had been in a relationship for over two years.

“Initially the relationship was good, but the defendant became unemployed about three months ago,” Ms Morgan said. “Their relationship deteriorated since then. Gahan would drink significant amounts of alcohol and would become violent.”

Ms Morgan said he had head-butted the cell wall while in police custody, had “suicidal thoughts” and had attempted to kill himself a few years ago.

The assault occurred on New Year’s Day when Ms Beverage returned home from work and found Gahan asleep.

“Ms Beverage tried to wake him up by stroking his face and talking to him,” said Ms Morgan. “When he woke up, his speech was slurred and she realised he was drunk. She left the room and shouted at him, telling him he was pathetic. He followed her, and they began to argue.”

Ms Morgan said Gahan grabbed Ms Beverage’s arm and twisted it behind her back, squeezing her fingers until it “really hurt” and she felt her bones “might break”. He then forced her to the floor, sat on her for around 10 minutes, squeezed her throat and threatened to stamp on her face.

“After he strangled me, my vision was impaired,” read Ms Beverage’s statement. “I could see strange colours.”

Ms Beverage eventually escaped and called police from a neighbour’s phone.

Defence solicitor Michael Kellegher said Gahan had no previous convictions for domestic violence and had been visited by Ms Beverage while he was at Haverfordwest Police Station.

“She doesn’t support the prosecution,” said Mr Kellegher. “Ms Beverage slammed a door and called him pathetic. That’s what started this incident. It doesn’t justify his actions, but they shouted at each other for a long time. He is sorry for what he has done, and said in interview Ms Beverage was all he had left.”

Gahan is due to appear before the magistrates for sentencing today (January 27).