A man who pleaded guilty to strangling a woman could have the charge dropped, a court heard.

Ji Smith was due to be sentenced yesterday for assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), battery and intentional strangulation.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to all charges following an incident on November 29 last year at his home in Kensington Way, Polegate.

Lewes Crown Court sitting in Brighton Magistrates’ heard that the woman said her breathing “was not restricted” when Smith put his hands around her neck which meant the charge could be dropped.

Intentional strangulation is defined by the Crown Prosecution Service as intentionally strangling another person or doing an act to them that affects their ability to breathe and constitutes a battery (unlawful physical contact) of them.

MOST READ:

​To have access to all of our best stories subscribe to The Argus here

Richard Reilly, defending, said: “My client is anxious to be sentenced. His memory of what precisely happened is quite hazy."

The ABH and intentional strangulation charges were against the same woman. The battery was against a different person.

Mr Reilly and Ben Wild, prosecuting, agreed to adjourn the sentencing.

Judge Ben Collins KC said: “If that is the way you both want to approach it, I can delay this by a week or so.”

The sentencing has been adjourned until February 21. Judge Collins reserved the case so he is present for it.