Drunken self-defence lesson leads to slap, choke attack on partner

A Tasmanian man who admitted to slapping and choking a new romantic partner during an impromptu self-defence lesson has avoided being sent to prison.

Vaughan James Titley, 38, assaulted a woman at his home in March 2023, after he made the drunken decision to teach her how to fight.

A Tasmanian man who admitted to slapping and choking a new romantic partner during an impromptu self-defence lesson has avoided being sent to prison.

The Supreme Court of Tasmania heard Vaughan James Titley, 38, assaulted the woman at his home in March 2023, after he made the drunken decision to teach her how to fight.

During the initial act of violence, Titley placed his hand around the complainant’s neck before twisting her hand and fingers which Justice Michael Brett said had caused the woman considerable pain.

“At one point, you demanded that the complainant slap you and when she refused, you started to slap her across the face repeatedly,” Justice Brett said.

“You told her that the slaps would get harder unless she did it back to you.”

Soon afterwards, Titley committed the crime of strangulation when he grabbed his partner by her throat and applied pressure to the point where was unable to breathe freely.

Despite stopping and asking his victim if she was OK, Titley continued his slapping assaults and eventually pushed the woman to the ground.

Justice Brett said while it was not suggested the complainant suffered any significant physical injury, she had been in a continual state of fear during the course of what was a lengthy episode.

“Your conduct was violent and unpredictable, and she must have found this terrifying,” His Honour told Titley.

“She has provided an impact statement in which she speaks about the ongoing psychological consequences of your crimes, including ongoing anxiety, frequent panic attacks and nightmares.

“The act of strangulation and other attacks on the throat and neck of the complainant were extremely dangerous. The danger was enhanced by the lack of control that was necessarily associated with your extreme intoxication.”

Justice Brett said that although the crimes to which Titley admitted carried a high degree of objective seriousness, the defendant’s lack of relevant priors and challenging personal circumstances warranted the suspension of a term of imprisonment.

Justice Brett convicted Titley, sentenced him to a term of 18 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years, and ordered he perform 189 hours of community service.