Thomas David Jordan strangled family member after fight over jigsaw puzzle

A man who viciously strangled a family member until she was unconscious – all over a jigsaw puzzle – has been warned by a judge that choking attacks often lead to death.

A MAN choked a family member to unconsciousness after a fight on how to unpack a jigsaw puzzle.

The attack prompted Judge Julie Dick to say that strangulation cases were something that were heard “every day” in court.

Thomas David Jordan pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court to one count of strangulation.

Jordan had dropped the woman at a friend’s Burleigh Heads home on January 10 this year before going to meet mates at Tallebudgera Creek.

When he returned intoxicated a few hours later, the pair began to argue when the woman began to set up a jigsaw puzzle on a table.

Jordan said to her: “What are you doing d*******? You don’t do it like that. You tip the pieces out and sort them out.”

The pair argued and the woman walked out into the yard.

Jordan grabbed her and pushed her against a fence, squeezing her throat so hard his fingernails dug in.

The woman passed out and was left with scratches on her neck and a swollen tongue.

Judge Dick sentenced Jordan to two-and-a-half years in prison with immediate parole eligibility.

Jordan has been in custody since January.

“These chokings and stranglings very often preceded murders and manslaughters,” Judge Dick said.

“We do them (strangulation matters) every day in this court, every day in every court and that is a lot of matters.”

Judge Dick urged Jordan to get help for his alcohol problems.

Barrister James McNab, instructed by Hannay Lawyers, said Jordan had been exposed to “toxicity” from family members around the time of the incident.

He said he was willing to undergo rehabilitation for alcohol.

Mr McNab said Jordan’s daughter was willing to allow Jordan to live with her when he was released on parole.

Originally published as Thomas David Jordan strangled family member after fight over jigsaw puzzle