Haslingden man strangled and assaulted partner over 18 months

Conah L’estrange, 31, of Park Street, Haslingden, appeared at Preston Crown Court after admitting a string of offences against his partner.

The court heard the couple had been in a relationship since 2019 and have two children together.

Prosecutor Zahra Khan said the relationship was initially positive but difficulties developed over time.

The first offence before the court took place in November 2024 during an argument in a bedroom.

Preston Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

L’estrange threatened to pour coffee over the victim before throwing a pencil which struck her in the eye, causing bleeding and leaving a small scar.

The court heard a further assault took place the following month while the victim was in the early stages of pregnancy.

During an argument, L’estrange grabbed her and held her against a kitchen worktop before placing a hand over her mouth and nose to stop her screaming.

When she tried to get away and sat behind a living room door, he forced the door open and pulled her hair.

The abuse continued on another occasion while the victim was pregnant.

The court heard L’estrange dragged her by her clothing before grabbing her by the neck and holding her against a bed, causing her to struggle to breathe.

In July 2025, during an argument about his lack of help with their children, he smacked her in the face while their newborn son was in a crib nearby.

A further incident in November 2025 saw L’estrange kick her in the leg, push her and throw a shoe at her after an argument. Both children were in the living room at the time.

The court heard there was another strangulation offence in March, when he put a hand around her neck while threatening to kill himself. One of the couple's children was present.

Days later, following an argument about his lack of assistance with childcare, L’estrange hit the victim with a slider and grabbed her phone.

He later dragged her from a sofa by the leg and, after she packed a bag for him and told him to leave, pushed her into the front door and dragged her by her clothing.

The couple's children could be heard screaming and crying during the incident.

A member of the public reported what was happening and police attended.

Ms Khan told the court the victim had initially been reluctant to provide a statement to police but eventually did so. She did not seek a restraining order.

The court heard L’estrange has no previous convictions, although he received a police caution in 2023.

Emma Kehoe, defending, said her client had accepted responsibility for the offences and entered guilty pleas.

She said the relationship had been his first serious relationship and had deteriorated after the couple found themselves living in overcrowded accommodation during the pandemic.

Ms Kehoe told the court the victim continued to support L’estrange and hoped they would eventually be able to resume their relationship in a healthier and more stable way.

Sentencing, Recorder John Jones said L’estrange had subjected his partner to violence and abuse over a period of almost 18 months.

The judge said the prolonged and sustained nature of the offending was an aggravating feature and noted it had taken place in a domestic setting.

However, he said there was a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation and that the couple's sons would be significantly adversely affected by an immediate custodial sentence.

L’estrange was sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete the Building Better Relationships programme and carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.