Man who strangled and abused ex-partner jailed

Report by BBC Isle of Man.

Gavin Laing, 33, physically and verbally abused the woman during the course of their relationship between September 2023 and the same month in 2024, Douglas Courthouse heard.

The court heard Laing strangled his former partner in January 2024, leaving red marks on the victim's neck, and made "fat-shaming" remarks about her appearance.

Laing admitted domestic abuse and was jailed for two years and nine months by Deemster Graeme Cook.

He said the ongoing effect on the victim was "extremely concerning," and Laing's words had a "devastating impact on her."

Cook said "words cannot describe what appalling verbal abuse it was."

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman said she was "emotionally and physically exhausted" adding that she had been "manipulated, controlled, disrespected, intimidated, and felt threatened."

The victim said she had lost confidence and felt "worthless, unlovable and useless."

She had not socialised and had avoided some public places in fear of seeing him, the statement added.

Laing was arrested in September 2024 when his ex-partner reported the abuse to police.

He denied being abusive and instead blamed the victim, but eventually pleaded guilty shortly before trial.

His defence argued the physical abuse had not left the victim requiring medical treatment, but said the verbal abuse was "appalling" and Laing was "mortified" by what he had said.

A domestic abuse prevention order was imposed on Laing indefinitely, banning him from contacting the victim or visiting her address.

Speaking of the victim, Cook said "I only hope with time she can improve her ability to live a normal life."