A property tycoon who strangled a woman numerous times has been jailed.

Ashley Southgate, from Maidstone, used repeated violence against a woman he knew and caused division and isolation from her family and friends.

On February 17, Southgate subjected his victim to a violent assault at a residential property and strangled her multiple times.

Two days later, he verbally abused the woman before assaulting her again.

She then had the courage to contact the police and on February 24 the 57-year-old was arrested.

At Maidstone Crown Court, he was found guilty of intentional strangulation, as well as common assault and sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Jennifer Mitchell said: “Southgate subjected this woman to a terrifying and prolonged ordeal, where she was left isolated and in fear.

“Assaults of this nature not only result in injury but also cause psychological effects on the victims that can stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“Kent Police is committed to protecting women and girls, be that while they are out and about, or at home or work.

“Our officers will use every power available to them to pursue violent offenders such as Southgate and also safeguard victims from often repeated abuse.”

It was not Southgate’s first offence.

In November 2022, he was jailed after making threats to kill his ex-lover and sending a revealing photograph to her mother.

Southgate, described as a property millionaire, had set up fake Facebook accounts in the name of John Smith to abuse the woman, who was 23 years his junior.

He was jailed for 19 months after admitting coercive and controlling behaviour.

His victim then also told the court that on one occasion Southgate had grabbed her round the throat with both hands and screamed in her face.