A man who strangled a woman until she thought she was going to die has been jailed. 

Philip Baker, 63, of Wessex Drive in Erith, was found guilty of assaulting and strangling his partner. 

On September 10 last year Baker walked up to her and repeatedly punched her arm causing her extensive bruising, a court heard. 

Then on March 13 this year his partner was lying on her sofa following an argument when Baker got on top of her and put both his hands on her throat. 

Judge David Miller said: “You got on top of her and you used your body weight to pin her down. 

“Your knee was on her chest and you put your hands around her neck and applied pressure while she was kicking out and she thought she was going to die.” 

After Baker released her the woman phoned 999 and Baker was arrested. 

He denied both offences but was found guilty following a trial at Bexley Magistrates’ Court. 

Philip Baker has a record of being violent towards women, the court heardPhilip Baker has a record of being violent towards women, the court heard (Image: Met Police) Baker remanded in custody prior to sentencing after he breached his bail conditions. 

He was produced at Woolwich Crown Court from prison for sentencing on Thursday (July 25). 

Judge Miller sentenced Baker to two years in prison after hearing that he had previously been cautioned for battery against a female friend. 

Judge Miller told Baker: “You are a mature man with a good work record but you clearly have a propensity to be violent towards people who are weaker than you, particularly women. 

“The offence is so serious that I cannot justify suspended the sentence, I do not believe there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”