Leslie James Oliver jailed for choking man at The Range

Furious at being dumped by his girlfriend, a man tried to strangle his freshly estranged brother-in-law as he played a video game. What he did next was equally as shocking.

Leslie James Oliver, 31, choked his now former girlfriend's brother, blaming him for ruining the relationship. Oliver was sentenced inRockhampton District Court on August 4. Oliver had been drinking alcohol that night, Noveinmber 13, 2022, at the house at The Range, and the victim arrived home at 8.30pm.

A man who strangled his former partner’s brother in a windpipe crushing attack went on to drink poison before police arrived at the chaotic scene.

Leslie James Oliver, 31, had just been dumped by his live-in girlfriend, when her brother arrived home from work and Oliver took his emotional pain out on him, Crown Prosecutor Ryan Godfrey told Rockhampton District Court this month.

Oliver had been drinking alcohol on the night of November 13, 2022, at house at The Range, and the victim arrived home at 8.30pm

Mr Godfrey said Oliver abused the victim when they first arrived at home and the victim went off to another part of the house.

He said about 11pm, while the victim was playing a video game via a console, Oliver walked up to him and punched his face multiple times.

Oliver then grabbed the victim by the throat and squeezed.

The victim tried to push Oliver away and told him to stop to which Oliver replied: “you ruined my relationship”.

“The victim felt that his windpipe was being crushed and felt like the defendant was trying to kill him,” Mr Godfrey said.

He said the victim managed to push Oliver away and escaped to his car.

Oliver initially followed the vehicle, but turned back to the house, smashing a PlayStation console and mobile phone, as well as punching a television.

Police attended the residence.

“He had consumed a poisonous liquid before they arrived and was transported to hospital,” Mr Godfrey said.

The victim sustained bruising and scratches to his neck.

Defence barrister Julie Marsden said her client, a father of four, had previously had an issue with methamphetamines but had been clean prior to his incarceration.

She said he was exposed to drugs, violence, alcohol abuse and mental health issues growing up.

Oliver pleaded guilty to one count of choking and one of wilful damage and was sentenced to 21 months prison with 263 days presentence custody declared as time served and immediate release on parole.

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