Abusive thug strangled girlfriend and 'set fire to her hair' in violent relationship

A violent thug has been jailed after he subjected his girlfriend to a campaign of horrific abuse - including strangling her unconscious and setting her hair on .

Ryan Black, from , frequently belittled his ex-partner with insults and violently "slammed her" to the ground over the course of the abusive relationship. The 40-year-old also exerted control over her finances, and constantly accused her of infidelity. Newcastle heard how Black had strangled his partner multiple times and threatened to kill her and her family by setting their house ablaze. His violent outbursts reportedly grew worse when he consumed .

Black appeared in court via video link from HMP Durham today to be sentenced for controlling or coercive behaviour and two counts of intentional strangulation. He was found guilty after a trial.

The court heard that Black and the victim started their relationship in August 2022 when he was 37 and she was around 18 years old. Prosecutor Sam Faulks said that while the relationship began positively, issues quickly surfaced when Black drank alcohol, reports .

Black would become "intimidating and scary", and the victim found it impossible to reason with him as he accused her of cheating. Mr Faulks explained that whenever the victim tried to end the relationship, Black would seize her phone and bank card, effectively controlling her finances.

Judge Robert Spragg recounted the harrowing strangulation offences in court, and said: "At a bus stop you picked her up and slammed her to the ground. In January 2023, you strangled her until she lost consciousness. She came to and found you crying and apologising.

"On July 15, 2024, you strangled her again...you grabbed her throat and pressed, she couldn't speak. It lasted around 10 seconds before she kicked you."

Judge Spragg also detailed another violent incident involving him setting her hair on fire, sating: "On July 22, 2024 you singed her hair after drinking vodka all day. You got a lighter out and set fire to her hair. The next day she was able to get away."

The court heard that Black had threatened the victim's life and her family's safety, telling her he would set their home ablaze. Black denied committing the offences, and instead told police the victim was lying.

Penny Hall, defending, said despite Black denying the offences, he does accept the relationship was "toxic and unhealthy".

She told the court: "[The victim] did talk about [Black] being lovely, but when he had alcohol, things turned bad.

"He has issues with alcohol and mental health difficulties. He has been remanded for nine months and has a trusted position in prison. He is working as a mentor."

The court heard that Black had 45 previous convictions for 83 offences and was in breach of a suspended sentence at the time of the offences.

Judge Spragg said Black was a "high risk to the public", and jailed him for four years and four months. He was also handed an indefinite restraining order.

For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit . If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit.