A husband who strangled his wife during an argument over money has been spared prison.
Clifford Ramsey, 64, who has never been in trouble before, "lost it" with his partner of ten years, putting his hands around her neck and striking her as a verbal altercation turned physical.
Newcastle Crown Court heard it was in July last year that the then-couple rowed and the argument then turned physical and he started to strangle her, saying "I'm going to kill you". He also struck her, pulled her hair then strangled her a second time on the floor.
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In a victim impact statement, his wife, of Kingston Park, Newcastle, said: "I feel at the time my husband wanted to kill me. I can't imagine, regardless of alcohol or drugs, ever feeling that level of hatred.
"I always knew he didn't like me but this was a new level. It horrified me and I know I will never trust another man.
"I'm fearful of being out at night because I don't know where he might be. I believe him to be a very controlling, vengeful man and this attack has left me feeling on edge."
When Ramsey, of Greenways, Consett, County Durham, was arrested, he told police "I lost it, I put my hands around her neck" and he apologised. He admitted intentional strangulation and was sentenced to six months suspended for 18 months by Judge Stephen Earl.
Andrew Walker, defending, said Ramsey had been hard-working and had no previous convictions. He added: "A few moments of madness caused him to lose his good character.
"The fact it happened in the heat of the moment as his marriage crumbled around him is of no consolation to the complainant. He is very sorry for what he has done and he demonstrates significant levels of remorse and regret.
"He knows she's still angry with him and she's entitled to have that view of him. He is not well and he cares for his mother, who has dementia."
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