A MAN who threatened to kill his girlfriend while strangling her before saying he would throw a bottle of urine on her has been jailed.

Benjamin Merriman, formerly of Bostock Street, Bewsey, slapped, jumped on and strangled the victim over a number of hours on March 10, 2021.

After an argument over the victim going to see her mum which rapidly escalated, Merriman, who has mental disorders, abused the victim both physically and mentally – calling her a prostitute and threatening to rape her.

He appeared before Liverpool Crown Court via video link, yesterday, Monday, after pleading guilty to common assault and threats to kill.

The thirty year old was jailed for three and a half years.

Prosecuting, Fiona McNeil told the court how the relationship began in August 2020 and Merriman began to say ‘nasty things’ when he was drunk - as well as becoming very jealous and checking the victim’s phone.

During the incident on March 10, Merriman threatened to slap the victim so she challenged him.

He then slapped her so hard her head hit the wall, and he continued to jump on her and strangled her more than once.

Ms McNeil also stated how Merriman claimed the victim deserved to be ‘pissed upon’ and held a bottle of urine over her.

She also explained how there was a knife in the room which Merriman threatened to stab the victim with while she slept.

The court heard how the victim reported the incident to the police two days later, and has since been left in a ‘state of paranoia and fear’ and also has difficulty sleeping.

Defending, Simeon Evans who appeared via video link, explained how Merriman understands it is ‘entirely his fault’ and has shown genuine remorse.

He said: ‘‘He sincerely wishes he never behaved in that appalling way.

‘‘Embarrassed would be far too small of a word.’’

Mr McNeil stated how Merriman has mental disorders and was not taking his mood stabilisers at the time.

He also stated how Merriman was drinking as a form of self-medication which turned him into a ‘nasty person’.

The court heard how Merriman is doing everything he can to deal with his mental health ‘properly’, which shows rehabilitation is ‘realistic.’

Recorder Ian Unsworth, QC, described the offence as a ‘terrifying ordeal’ for the victim.

Judge Unsworth, who also appeared via video link, said: ‘‘It is abundantly clear in my judgement that psychological harm and distress were caused.’’

He also claimed the incident had left an ‘indelible mark’ on the victim.

Judge Unsworth stated how the aggravating factor was that Merriman strangled her more than once and that the mitigating factor was his mental health issues.

Merriman was sentenced to three and a half years in prison as well has a restraining order for life in order to protect the victim.