By Sheila Mckenzie-
Data released by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) shows a record number of charges of strangulation reaching courts since the standalone legislation was introduced three years ago.”
The news comes after 46 year old Michael Cosgrove was jailed for 20 years after strangulating his former partner when she caught him messaging other women on a dating app.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
The victim told Cosgrove she wanted to end the relationship and stay at her mother’s home, a decision that immediately riled the 46-year-old bully into a rage of violence that nearly became fatal. Cosgrove pushed her and ‘pinned her onto the bed’ before strangling her, the court heard. The woman ‘couldn’t breathe’ and began ‘clawing’ at Cosgrove’s hands.
After he let go, she began hyperventilating and vomiting, but Cosgrove continued his attack. Ms Fordham recalled how Cosgrove told the victim: “We are both going to die tonight.”
Nearly 2,400 charges were prosecuted by the CPS in the last recorded few months.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
In Q4 2024/25, CPS data shows that 2,395 charges of strangulation and suffocation which reached a first hearing at magistrates’ courts were recorded. 2,214 (92.4%) of these were flagged as related to incidents of domestic abuse.
In 2024/25, CPS data shows that 8,545 charges of strangulation or suffocation which reached a first hearing at magistrates’ courts were recorded. 7,827 (91.6%) of these were flagged as related to incidents of domestic abuse.
Last Friday, Michael Cosgrove was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for the attempted murder and strangulation of Kerry Ann
Jury members heard that after returning from a night out seeing a band with friends, Ms Allan and Cosgrove got into an argument about him cheating, leading to him attempting to strangle Ms Allan three times.
Neighbours heard her screams for help and pleas for him to stop. They rang the police and continued to hear them whilst on the phone.
Cosgrove also repeatedly threatened to kill Ms Allan and then to kill himself which the court heard were designed to make her believe that he was serious. Ms Allan said she believed she was going to die.
During the attack, neighbours heard screaming and called the police.
Cosgrove was heard shouting “I am going down for this, you are going to die. We are both going to die.”
Jurors were also told how she tried to escape out the bedroom window, but Cosgrove pulled her back and threw her on the bed, injuring her ribs.
The third time Cosgrove strangled Ms Allan, she was rendered unconscious.
Cosgrove fled by jumping out of the bathroom window when he heard police banging and shouting before they forced entry. He was arrested later that morning after being found in the boot of Ms Allan’s car.
CPS Direct, the Crown Prosecution Service’s out-of-hours charging service, authorised charges overnight against Cosgrove for attempted murder and intentional strangulation, before handing over the case to CPS North West to prosecute.
Katie Nicolson, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Michael Cosgrove sought to take the life of someone he claimed to love in a brutal and vicious attack. Kerry Allan believed she would die, and that is what he intended to happen.
“In this case it was clear: strangulation was this coward’s method of choice to kill. But unfortunately, strangulation as a tactic for abusers to exert control and power over their victims is far from unusual.
“This conviction is testament to the work achieved across the criminal justice system to improve how we bring together medical evidence, witness accounts and prosecution strategies in domestic abuse cases.
“I cannot commend Kerry enough for her bravery and taking the opportunity to raise awareness so others have the confidence to report these crimes knowing they will be taken seriously.”
Bernie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer at the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), said: “This case highlights the impact of strangulation on victims and the crucial role the CPS play in ensuring that perpetrators are held to account. We commend CPS efforts in ensuring that there was medical evidence and expert evidence inputted into this case.
“It is important to remember however that not all victims of strangulation have visible injuries; around 50 per cent of people who are strangled will not have visible injuries and this is no indication of the physical and psychological harm strangulation has caused.
“IFAS works to raise awareness of the risks around strangulation including in the context of domestic abuse. We hope to receive further funding so we can continue our work of improving the response victims of strangulation receive.”
During the trial, medical evidence was shown to the jury showing the injuries Cosgrove inflicted on Ms Allan.
Expert evidence was also used to explain to the jury the danger associated with strangulation and the effects it can cause.
Dr Ewa Wolska, a forensic physician with expertise in strangulation, gave her opinion that the injuries Ms Allan obtained were from a life-threatening event.
Cosgrove denied ever threatening, assaulting or attempting to kill his then partner.
Following a trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, a jury found Cosgrove guilty of attempted murder and strangulation.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar