Hartlepool man Dean Russell awaits sentence for strangling and threats to kill against woman

Darren Russell, 31, from Hartlepool, is awaiting his fate after pleading guilty to a number of offences against the same woman before Christmas.

They are intentional strangulation from December 19 last year, making threats to kill on December 26, breach of a restraining order on the same day and two counts of assault by beating.

He was twice due to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court in the last week, but the case was adjourned both time for further inquiries to take place.

A probation report stated Russell currently presents a high risk of causing serious harm to others.

Recorder Fiona Davies told him: “I’m adjourning sentence because you face a series of serious offences and the court needs to be in possession of all the facts.”

Russell, who lives in Melrose Street, was remanded in custody until Friday, February 9.