Man admits intentional strangulation at Trederwen Caravan Park

Steven Hennessey, 58, admitted intentionally strangling the woman during an incident at Trederwen Caravan Park, between Four Crosses and Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, on April 11.

Mold Crown Court heard that Hennessey used his own top to strangle the victim to the point she passed out. When she regained consciousness, the 58-year-old said he thought he had killed her.

The case was heard at Mold Crown Court on Friday, May 22. (Image: Newsquest)

Prosecutor Ryan Rothwell told the court the defendant later made threats to burn a house down and described him as posing a significant risk.

“He strangled the complainant with his top to the extent that she lost consciousness and when she woke up, he made comments that he thought he'd killed her,” he said.

“He made threats to burn a house down. There are witnesses and video footage.

"We say he is a high risk.”

Hennessey had previously denied two further offences - assault by beating on the same day and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) in July 2020. Those charges were ordered to lie on file, meaning they will not be pursued.

Defending, Paulinus Barnes said his client’s previous convictions were limited and historic.

Judge Timothy Petts remanded Hennessey, who gave his address as Trederwen Caravan Park, in custody ahead of sentencing and warned him the offence was serious.

“Strangulation is always a very serious offence,” the judge said.

He added that while Hennessey’s guilty plea would be taken into account, it did not guarantee any particular outcome.

“There is no guarantee what the Probation Service recommends [in a pre-sentence report] will be followed by me or my colleagues when they sentence you.”

Hennessey will be sentenced at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, June 25.

• According to Mold Crown Court since last week’s hearing, Hennessey is of no fixed abode.