Man Jailed for Two Years After Strangling Pregnant Partner

A man has been sentenced to two years in prison after strangling his pregnant partner and exhibiting violent behaviour throughout their relationship. Steffan Pattie, 28, received a sentence of 24 months at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, battery, and criminal damage.

The court proceedings revealed a pattern of escalating violence since Pattie began his relationship with the victim in December 2020. Witnesses noted that his abusive behaviour intensified significantly during the course of their relationship. In one particularly alarming incident in 2023, while the victim was pregnant, Pattie forced her to the ground and strangled her using both hands.

Following the birth of their child, Pattie’s behaviour did not improve. He subjected the victim to repeated insults and blamed her for any health issues affecting their newborn. On another occasion, the victim returned home to find one of their children crying while Pattie was occupied playing video games. The child had reportedly not been fed for five hours. When confronted, Pattie reacted violently, kicking her to the ground and punching her in the face.

In another incident in August 2025, an argument over their dog escalated into violence when Pattie headbutted the victim in their back garden. This attack was witnessed by a neighbour and their child. During this confrontation, Pattie was heard shouting, “She’s my bird, I’ll do what I want,” before allegedly brandishing a kitchen knife and threatening, “If you don’t open the door I’m going to stab you up.” He subsequently entered the house, causing further damage.

The court took into account several aggravating factors, including the domestic nature of the violence, the strangulation of the victim while pregnant, and the presence of children during the incidents. Although the victim expressed her desire for Pattie not to be jailed, citing concerns for the children’s well-being at a “critical age of development,” the presiding judge, Recorder B Lawrence, countered that the children were already affected by the violence.

Pattie has a history of violent offences and criminal damage. In mitigation, his defence team argued that he expressed remorse and highlighted his struggles with a troubled upbringing, alongside diagnoses of ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of domestic violence and the long-lasting impact it can have on families, particularly children.