A MAN has been jailed after he strangled and pressurised his partner to change her police statement.

Ross John McFadyen, of Templecombe, was sentenced to two years and three months behind bars when he appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday (June 26), having been found guilty of intentional strangulation and perverting the course of justice at trial.

The charges against the 47-year-old came after, on July 7, 2024, he and the victim, who was known to him, were at an address in the Blandford area when they began arguing.

McFadyen became violent and took hold of her neck, causing her to struggle to breathe and leaving red marks and bruising as a result, the court heard.

After the victim reported the matter to police, the defendant subsequently attempted to pressurise her to change her statement, telling her she needed to say that he did not strangle her.

The police were made aware and the defendant was subsequently charged with perverting the course of justice, as well as the intentional strangulation offence.

After the sentencing, investigations officer Sam Sheppard, of Dorset Police, said: “Ross McFadyen not only subjected his victim to a violent assault, but he also attempted to bully her into changing her statement after the incident was reported to police.

“Her bravery in coming forward to report these matters and support our investigation has ultimately resulted in her abuser being convicted and put behind bars.”

READ MORE: Crime news from your New Blackmore Vale