A 72-year-old grandfather has appeared in court accused of strangling his wife of around 40 years three times in the space of a fortnight at their home in Newcastle.

Brian Gough, of Tebay Drive in the Slatyford area of the city, is charged with three counts of intentional strangulation following alleged incidents said to have taken place in September last year. The alleged victim, his wife, is also in her 70s and is described in court as vulnerable.

Prosecutors claim Gough put his hands around his spouse’s neck on three separate occasions at the couple’s shared address. All of the alleged incidents are said to have happened in a domestic setting over a two-week period.

Gough appeared in the dock at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court for a brief hearing, where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, and to enter his pleas. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges of intentional strangulation.

“It’s three instances of alleged intentional strangulation. We would say that one offence may have been suitable to be tried in this court but there are three charges and the suspected victim is vulnerable and it’s in a domestic context.”

Prosecutor Emily Sanderson told the court that, given the number of alleged incidents and the vulnerability of the complainant, the case was too serious to remain in the magistrates’ court. She said the Crown Prosecution Service considered the matter unsuitable for summary trial.

Ms Sanderson explained that while a single allegation of intentional strangulation might, in some circumstances, be dealt with by magistrates, the combination of three charges, the domestic background and the age of the alleged victim meant the case should be sent to a higher court for trial.

Defence solicitor Rebecca Highton did not oppose the case being sent to the Crown Court but made an application to vary Gough’s bail conditions. She asked the bench to allow limited contact via a third party so that both Gough and his wife could see their shared chihuahua.

Magistrates agreed that the case should be committed to the Crown Court, where a judge will ultimately decide on any trial. Gough was granted bail with conditions, which include restrictions designed to protect the alleged victim while proceedings are ongoing.

Key facts about the case

  • Defendant: Brian Gough, 72, of Tebay Drive, Slatyford, Newcastle
  • Alleged victim: Wife, also in her 70s
  • Allegations: Three instances of intentional strangulation in a domestic setting
  • Timeframe: Alleged to have occurred over a fortnight in September last year
  • Court: Newcastle Magistrates’ Court (case sent to Crown Court)
  • Plea: Not guilty to all three charges

Intentional strangulation is a relatively new standalone offence in England and Wales, introduced to recognise the particular risk and harm associated with strangulation and suffocation in domestic abuse cases. It can be prosecuted even where there are no obvious external injuries, reflecting growing awareness that strangulation can cause serious internal damage and is a strong indicator of escalating abuse.

A Crown Court judge will now review the case and set a date for the next hearing. Until the conclusion of the proceedings, the allegations remain unproven and Gough is presumed innocent.

All information in this article relates to allegations heard in open court. The defendant has pleaded not guilty and is entitled to a fair trial. Reporting restrictions may apply to protect the complainant and any other vulnerable parties.