KNOTTINGLEY MAN JAILED FOR CHOKING AND THREATENING EX-GIRLFRIEND
A "vicious" individual named Luke Prentice has been convicted and sentenced for multiple assault and threatening offenses.Prentice, who was involved in a relationship with a 17-year-old girl, strangled her during an incident in August last year.
The Leeds Crown Court heard that the relationship began in 2022 and Prentice initially lied about his age, claiming he was 25.
The victim reported that he had "anger issues" that worsened under alcohol and drug influence.
On one occasion, he reportedly grabbed her around the throat, making it difficult for her to breathe, but she managed to struggle free.
After their breakup in December 2023, Prentice was seen attempting to spray bleach-like liquid at his ex-partner and her friend, aiming to cause fear and harm.
The court found that he intended his ex-partner to believe he had thrown acid, with the judge ruling that the offence was serious enough to warrant immediate imprisonment.
Prentice pleaded guilty to charges of intentional strangulation and affray, and was sentenced to 27 months in prison and given a five-year restraining order against the victim.
The victim described suffering PTSD, anxiety, depression, and being unable to work due to the threats and harassment.
Prentice has a history of six previous convictions, including one involving domestic violence in 2015.
The court noted that some of his behavior might be learned, linked to childhood experiences and earlier relationships, but emphasized that this was not an excuse.
The judge remarked on the vulnerability of the young victim and highlighted that the offences were so grave that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
