Oxford – Woman screamed for help as ex strangled her

Robert McGuckin, of Victoria Road, Great Yarmouth, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on June 17.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

The offences were committed against a woman in Oxford on December 7, 2024.

Colin Witcher, prosecuting, told the court that concerns were raised about McGuckin’s behaviour towards the woman after witnesses heard screaming in the earlier hours of the day in question.

The court heard that the woman told McGuckin, who she’d been in a relationship with for two to three months, that she didn’t want to be with him anymore.

This was met with anger, however the victim needed to meet up with him after this to collect her bank card and keys.

In a witness statement, the victim explained that she went to meet him in Union Street.

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Robert McGuckin (Image: TVP)

However he dragged her towards some garages and repeatedly punched her in the face.

The woman said she screamed ‘help, help’, but McGuckin started to strangle her.

She then passed out. The altercation then moved to a different street where the defendant punched and strangled her again.

Witnesses heard the commotion and called the police.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “It took me weeks to recover from the assault. I was unable to live my life as normal for weeks.

“I have been too scared to go out. I’m always on edge now. Rob is an abuser, no matter how he spins the tale.

“Rob is a dangerous man. I’m worried he will subject me to further harm. He was obsessed with me. I have flashbacks of Rob attacking me.

“Leading up to the trial, I was very anxious and stressed. I’m pleased I’m finally getting justice in this case. I want nothing further to do with him.”

Mr Witcher said: “This was a prolonged and persistent attack.”

The court heard that McGuckin has no previous convictions.

In mitigation, the court heard he demonstrated ‘remorse’ for his actions and that it was a ‘matter of poor judgement’.

Judge Emma Nott KC said: “You took her from the street and launched a frightening assault. You punched her repeatedly to the face and strangled her to the point she lost consciousness.

“This was a prolonged episode of domestic violence, You told her ‘you can’t get help if you’re dead’.

“The harm caused by your offences was serious.”

McGuckin was jailed for 37 months. He was also given a restraining order to not contact the victim for five years.