She caught him messaging other women - so he tried to kill her

A man who attempted to murder his girlfriend after she found out he was messaging other women has been sentenced to over a decade in prison.

Michael Cosgrove strangled his then-partner twice after they returned from a New Order concert in Manchester last year, a court heard. The 46-year-old told her 'you are dead tonight' before leaving the woman unconscious and in her own faeces, and jumped from a first-floor window when police officers burst into her home in Stockport.

Cosgrove denied attempted murder, but was sentenced at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday.

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Chloe Fordham, prosecuting, said the couple had been arguing in the days leading up to the concert after the victim discovered Cosgrove had been messaging other women on a dating app.

The pair were said to be 'getting on well' at the Wythenshawe Park gig on August 24, 2024, which they attended with the victim's mum and step-dad - but things took a darker turn as they returned to the woman's Heald Green home.

The victim told Cosgrove she wanted to end the relationship and stay at her mother's home, prompting the 46-year-old to turn violent, reports Manchester Evening News.

Cosgrove pushed her and 'pinned her onto the bed' before strangling her, the court heard. The woman 'couldn't breathe' and began 'clawing' at Cosgrove's hands.

After he let go, she began hyperventilating and vomiting, but Cosgrove continued his attack. Ms Fordham recalled how Cosgrove told the victim: "We are both going to die tonight."

She said Cosgrove also told the victim: "You are dead tonight. You know that don't you? I'm going to kill you and then kill myself."

Cosgrove then strangled his partner again. Ms Fordham said: "Fearing his intent on killing her, she reached to the window in desperation to jump."

But Cosgrove 'pulled her back' onto the bed and continued to strangle her, leading her to become unconscious.

The incident was so loud that a neighbour called the police and began to record the ordeal. The audio was used as 'vital evidence', the court heard.

Photos used in evidence meanwhile showed bruising to the woman's face, neck, back and chest, while she also suffered a fractured rib and the force of strangulation was so strong that it burst blood vessels in her eye.

Cosgrove was not wearing any shoes when he was arrested as he tried to return to the property at around 7am. He was found with 'a number of injuries no doubt caused by having jumped' from the window, Ms Fordham said.

The court heard the woman never returned to the property where the attack took place, and later moved to a different area. She has since been faced with anxiety and depression, while she requires medication to sleep.

In her victim impact statement, she said she felt 'betrayed' and 'humiliated' that Cosgrove used 'personal details' against her during the trial.

Addressing Cosgrove, who wore a black Hugo Boss t-shirt, grey trousers and trainers in the dock, she said: "What you did to me that night has changed me as a person forever."

She added: "I will never understand how you could do that to me. All I ever showed you was love and you abused that in the worst possible way. I hope you get help because you are clearly a very damaged and dangerous man."

Cosgrove, of no fixed address but previously of Wythenshawe, Manchester, denied the charges of attempted murder and intentional strangulation, but was convicted by jurors following a trial in February.

He had no previous convictions. Defending, Howard Bernstein said his client was 'clearly somebody who has had his own struggles with mental health'.

Mr Bernstein claimed Cosgrove had showed 'some remorse', including 'embarrassment and shock' at the impact his actions took on his former partner.

During sentencing, Judge Baxter told Cosgrove he had shown 'no real remorse' throughout proceedings, and that he 'struggled to acknowledge' that he is a perpetrator of domestic abuse.

She said the incident had a 'profound and long-lasting impact' on the victim and had 'affected her confidence and sense of security'.

The judge added: "Your consideration throughout these offences was always yourself and your own wellbeing."

Cosgrove was handed a 20-year prison sentence, of which he will serve two-thirds behind bars and the remainder on licence. He was also handed a restraining order against his former partner.

Greater Manchester Police's Detective Constable Chris Payne said: “I want to sincerely thank the victim for her support 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.