THIS is the moment a barefoot thug leapt from a bedroom window after strangling his ex after she tried to end the relationship.
Michael Cosgrove pinned his victim to her bed and told her: “You are dead tonight. You know that don’t you? I’m going to kill you and then kill myself.”
GMPMichael Cosgrove strangled the woman past the point of consciousness[/caption]
GMPBody-cam footage shows the police bursting into the victim’s home[/caption]
Cops burst into the Stockport property just as she lost consciousness in the brutal attack, on August 19.
Body-cam footage shows officers arriving to the scene banging on the door six times before barging through the woman’s front door.
An officer called: “This is the police. Make yourself known.”
Cosgrove proceeded to jump from the bedroom window and run barefoot.
He managed to evade officers for a few hours but returned to the house later in the morning, still with no shoes, and was arrested.
The horror unfolded after the victim caught her then partner Cosgrove, 46, messaging other women on dating apps a few days prior.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard this led to many arguments between the couple.
Despite the tension, the pair were still said to be getting on, and they were returning from a New Order concert when Cosgrove launched his attack.
The court heard how the woman told him she intended leave him, and move in her with mother.
He then pinned her to the bed and strangled her whilst she vomited and hyperventilated.
Prosecutor Chloe Fordham told the court the woman tried to escape by jumping out the window.
The victim impact statement, read aloud in court, said: “He knew how terrified I was, I begged him to stop attacking me.
“I was so scared I tried to jump out my bedroom window as I thought I would be better off with broken legs or a broken back because he is going to kill me.”
Cosgrove pulled her back and continued strangling her even when she lost consciousness.
‘I’M STILL IN SHOCK’
A neighbour overheard the violent attack and alerted the police.
The victim was found by the cops unconscious, lying in her own faeces.
“When I was in hospital I felt like I’d ruined his life, even though he did such awful things to me,” she said in her victim impact statement.
“He’s never had the decency to admit what he’s done to me and that really upsets me.
“The level of control Michael had over me made me feel bad and made me not go into work,” said the victim’s impact statement.
She continued: “I can’t get my head around being in this sort of position, I know I’m still in shock and I don’t know when that will hit me.”
Cosgrove, formerly from Wythenshawe but with no current address, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempted murder and intentional strangulation.
He was also handed a restraining order against his former partner.
‘A BRUTAL AND VISCOUS ATTACK’
Katie Nicholson, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said after the sentencing: “Michael Cosgrove sought to take the life of someone he claimed to love in a brutal and viscous attack.
“His victim believed she would die, and that is what he intended to happen.
“In this case it was clear: strangulation was this coward’s method of choice to kill. But unfortunately, strangulation as a tactic for abusers to exert control and power over their victims is far from unusual.”
Nicholson praised the criminal justice system for collating evidence and bringing about a strong conviction.
She added: “I cannot commend the victim enough for her bravery and taking the opportunity to raise awareness so others have the confidence to report these crimes knowing they will be taken seriously.”
Detective Chris Payne, of Greater Manchester Police, similarly thanked the victim for her support and bravery throughout the investigation.
“Her bravery played a crucial role in helping us build a strong case against her abuser and ensuring he is brought to justice.
“I hope today’s outcome marks the beginning of her healing journey, offering reassurance that justice has been served for the manipulative and deeply distressing actions committed against her.
Domestic abuse – how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night
Men who are being abused can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244
Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
GMPThe attacker told the woman: ‘I’m going to kill you then kill myself’[/caption]
GMPCosgrove was on the run barefoot until police recovered him later in the morning[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
