A plumber who choked his pregnant girlfriend in a brutally violent attack has been jailed.
Craig Mitchell strangled Jodie McLeod – then 20 weeks pregnant with his child – over and over again as she lay helpless in her living room.
When she began to struggle for breath he would release his grip – only to choke her again when she managed to take in air.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard the horror attack lasted around 20 minutes before Miss Mitchell managed to escape to the bathroom and call for help.
When police arrived they found Mitchell asleep on a mattress on the living room floor.
Cowardly Mitchell asked to be released from custody ahead of his sentencing date, claiming he wanted to help his victim prepare for the birth of the child.
Fiscal depute Eilidh Robertson told the court he had two previous convictions of domestic offences towards her and a further domestic conviction relating to another ex.
She said: “Around 3.30am the accused arrived at the address and appeared to be under the influence of some substance.
“He grabbed her face and squeezed it while shouting and accusing her of being unfaithful.
“He dragged her by the hair then straddled her with his knees over her shoulders.
“He grabbed her by the throat and squeezed it, restricting her breathing.
“When struggling for breath he would release then grab her again. The accused also put his hand over her mouth.
“He did this around 20 times over 20 minutes or so.”
Mitchell, 26, of Rosemont Road, Dundee, pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge of assault to injury on May 10 this year at Lawton Terrace.
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael deferred sentence until next month for social work background reports and remanded Mitchell in custody meantime.
Defence solicitor Gary McIlravey said: “He understands that due to the nature of the offences custody will be at the forefront of the court’s mind.
“Despite the nature of the offence and the fact he has spent some time in custody the relationship has been ongoing.
“I’m asked to move for bail.”
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael deferred sentence until next month for social work background reports and remanded Mitchell in custody meantime.
He said: “Given what you have pleaded guilty ot there’s no way I’m releasing you on bail in to her company for her own safety.”
