A man who strangled his girlfriend in the street began a new relationship two days later and then assaulted her, a court heard.
Nathan Modlinksy, 28, no fixed abode, formerly of Leigh, previously pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing actual bodily harm, and appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced. Ben Berkson, prosecuting, detailed that Modlinsky and the victim, Emily Woosey, were in a relationship for around two years which began pleasantly, but deteriorated due to increasing jealous and paranoid behaviour on his part.
Mr Berkson detailed that police were called to Norris Street on November 18, 2020, following reports of an assault. He said: “The defendant punched her with such force that she fell to the floor.
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“He then dragged her to her feet before they went to the end of the road and placed his hands to her throat, before he released her and began sobbing on the side of the road. “There were also numerous threats and shouting issued by the defendant during the course of this assault.”
Mr Berkson said Modlinsky previously told the victim that if she didn’t hold his hand he would slap her in the face, and accused her of cheating. He was interviewed by police and initially answered general questions about the relationship, but when pressed further about the assault specifically, he answered no comment.
Witnesses came to assist the victim, and officers attended the scene. A victim statement written by Ms Woosey was read by the prosecution, and detailed the victim’s “daily battle” with her mental health.
It read: “I feel like I will never have self confidence again. “He has ruined everything about me, I do not think I will ever see a day when I feel normal again.
“I feel vulnerable like a child.” She continued: “He has taken so much from me and I do not think he cares about what he has taken from me or feels remorse.”
Ms Woosey had to have stitches to her eye and has a scar, which she said has affected her self confidence. Modlinsky has seven previous convictions for 13 offences, including two for battery and a section 20 wounding.
He is currently serving a three year sentence for two counts of causing actual bodily harm and an unrelated driving offence after assaulting his ex-partner in July and August 2021 in very similar circumstances, whom he began a relationship with two days after committing this offence.
Ms Woosey and his other victim both appeared at court to witness Modlinsky’s sentencing. Oliver Saddington, defending, said: “It was a cruel attack but one that is and will remain a source of regret for Nathan Modlinsky, and he wishes to apologise today through me. “Clearly on this occasion he allowed his temper to get the better of him.”
Mr Saddington said the offence took place against the background of a “troubled relationship”. He added that his client has spent a significant period of time out of trouble, including between 2016-2020, and “has the capability to stay away from the courts”.
He detailed that Modlinsky has undertaken courses while in custody and is getting treatment for his mental health. Mr Saddington concluded: “He hopes to become something of a role model to his son, but is realistic that rehabilitation will take some time.”
His Honour Judge Andrew Menary KC said that the other offences “indicate something about the nature of this man”. In sentencing, he said the fact that Modlinsky put his hands around the victim’s neck was a “real red flag” to the courts as it indicates the person is a risk of harm.
Judge Menary continued: “This must have been a frightening event for her. “She plainly suffered real harm.”
“You quickly started a new relationship and went on to very seriously assault that partner”. Modlinsky was sentenced to 17 months imprisonment to be served consecutively to his current sentence.
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