Arnold Astwood has today been sentenced to 14 years in prison for killing his girlfriend Ruth Binns at her Southampton home in 2007.

Astwood, 36, of Devonshire, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after assaulting 26-year-old Ms Binns during an argument.

Sentencing Judge Carlisle Greaves heard today how a pathologist report noted that Ms Binns suffered from a goiter in her neck. A goiter is a large swelling caused by an enlarged thyroid gland and this at times caused her breathing difficulties.

The pathologist concluded the pressure put on Ms Binns’ neck during the assault by Astwood — who has a long history of violence towards women — lead to fatal breathing diffculties.

According to Astwood he panicked and left the scene after his girlfriend fell ill and he was unable to revive her.

Ms Binns was found dead in her bedroom in her house the next day by her sister. She was covered in blood and in addition to her neck injury she also had facial injuries consistent with Astwood hitting her in the face several times.

Astwood’s lawyer Charles Richardson said the death was unintentional and Astwood was deeply remorseful.

However sentencing him at Supreme Court this morning, Judge Carlisle Greaves launched a strongly-worded condemnation of those who commit domestic violence.

* See tomorrow’s Royal Gazette for the full story.