Mitchell Berrisford, 27, of Newpool Road, Knypersley, has been handed a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to intentional strangulation and battery. The offences occurred against his girlfriend of three years, whom he choked until she lost consciousness on one occasion and assaulted again outside her home.
Details of the assaults
Prosecutor Fiona Cortese told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that the relationship, which began in 2020, was described by the victim as 'toxic'. Berrisford would check her phone, make demeaning comments, and prevent her from wearing certain outfits. The first strangulation happened during a night out in Hanley: he dragged her to the floor, sat on top of her, and strangled her until she blacked out. The second attack occurred when he arrived intoxicated at her home; when she refused to let him in, he grabbed her and called her a 'f****g b***h'.
Defendant's background
Berrisford has five previous convictions and is awaiting a possible ADHD diagnosis. Mitigating, Barry White said the defendant is 'extremely nervous' and struggles to make decisions, often relying on his father. White attributed the offences to alcohol and suggested Berrisford would benefit from probation intervention.
Judge's remarks
Recorder Robert Smith, sentencing, called Berrisford a 'coward' and stated: 'Any man who is violent to a woman is a coward.' He warned that if Berrisford reoffends, he will go to prison with his bag packed. The suspended sentence includes 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 40 hours of unpaid work, plus a five-year restraining order.
