Timothy Alan Cossens (48) said he accepted the on-off relationship of 20 years with the victim was over, the Dunedin District Court heard yesterday, but Judge David Robinson was not convinced.
"My view is she remains at risk," he said, granting a protection order in her favour.
In a statement, the woman said she was so traumatised by Cossens’ actions she planned to leave the city.
The defendant had previous convictions for domestic violence but none featuring his most recent victim.
There had, however, been numerous police family-violence call-outs concerning the relationship, which was described as "violent and volatile".
On July 2 last year, the victim confronted Cossens about his alleged infidelity.
He reacted by trying to throw her belongings out of the sleep-out in which they were staying.
When she tried to stop Cossens, he threw two punches at her then pinned her down on the bed, using his left forearm to apply pressure to her neck.
The woman said she was "utterly terrified" by the experience and described bruising around her throat visible in the aftermath.
"Very considerable force would have been applied," Judge Robinson said.
A month later, Cossens turned up at the victim’s home uninvited demanding to discuss their relationship.
He tried to barge his way in as the woman fought to hold the door shut, the court heard.
The defendant then kicked a glass panel in the door, causing it to shatter.
Cossens picked up a shard of glass and said she was "going down for this".
Police found him in the house, sitting on the couch.
The judge said the man’s behaviour demonstrated his desire to establish a psychological hold over the defendant.
"You were exercising control."
Judge Robinson described a Probation report on Cossens as "troubling".
He minimised his role in the offences and engaged in "victim blaming".
Consequently, the judge said he was sceptical about Cossens’ claimed motivation to give up alcohol and cannabis, and undertake rehabilitation.
He was convicted of strangulation and damaging property with intent to intimidate, and sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment.
