Sunderland brute spared prison after strangling ex-girlfriend in terrifying attack
A brute who strangled his girlfriend during a terrifying confrontation after she broke up with him has kept his freedom.
Ben Chapman and the victim had attended a steam fair at Chester Le Street, County Durham in June 2025, where they and others were drinking, and she ended their relationship due to his behaviour at the event.
Newcastle Crown Court heard the woman went home and Chapman sent messages saying he was going to attend to collect his belongings.
She tried to convince him this would best be done sober, but Chapman attended anyway and threw a brick through her patio door, which smashed, then strangled her in an attack.
In an impact statement, the victim said she has been left terrified and has moved home because of what happened.
She added: "I've never seen someone's face change like that. I genuinely believed the man I loved was trying to kill me."
The woman said she was born and bred in Sunderland but is now "too terrified to even step foot in my home town".
Chapman, 27, of Bradman Street, Sunderland, admitted criminal damage and intentional strangulation.
Recorder Georgina Nolan said: "You and the victim had gone to a fair and had consumed alcohol. Your relationship ended there due to your behaviour.
"She left and went home then got messages from you, saying you were coming to get your things. She said you shouldn't do that and placed some money outside.
"You threw a brick through her patio door, causing it to smash and you then grabbed her by her throat, squeezing her and hitting her.
"She was struggling to breathe."
The court heard the victim suffered bruising to her neck and had problems clenching her jaw after the attack.
Chapman was sentenced to 22 months, suspended for two years, with 150 hours unpaid work.
Recorder Nolan said Chapman has a good employment record, positive character references, has no record for violence and is capable of rehabilitation.
Jason Smith, defending, said Chapman, who has now moved in with his grandmother to care for her, had been threatened with violence that night.