Violent thug threatened to cut girlfriend's throat after argument at Wakefield home

A violent thug has been jailed after threatening to cut his girlfriend’s throat during an argument at a house in Wakefield.

Edward Greenhalgh, 40, was jailed at Leeds Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and threatening with a bladed article in a private place.

Prosecutor John Batchelor told the court how the couple, of 18 months, had got into a verbal argument on November 26 last year, which then turned violent, when Greenhalgh slapped the woman across the face.

She then attempted to leave the room but was prevented from doing so when the 40-year-old stamped hard on her foot, causing bleeding and swelling, the court was told.

Mr Batchelor further detailed how the defendant later threatened to kill the woman and “cut her jugular,” while brandishing a four-inch knife.

Greenhalgh, of Vale Crescent, Knottingley, has a history of domestic-related incidents and previously failed to comply with court orders, including one for battery.

In mitigation, defence counsel Corey Boothe told the court how his client has a history of drug abuse and has been trying to get clean.

He said his client has been left “isolated” by his time in prison and is determined to turn his life around.

Judge Robin Mairs sentenced Greenhalgh to 17 months in prison and handed him a six-year restraining order, preventing him from contacting his now former partner.

“It must have been extraordinarily frightening for her,” Judge Mairs added.

He advised the defendant to address his anger and drug problems.