Drugged up thug used his partner 'like a punchbag'

VICTIM HAD BLACK EYE AND BRUISING AROUND THROAT

- By ESTHER HALLIGAN

A VIOLENT, drugged-up thug who attacked his girlfriend has been locked up.

“Wife-beater” John Rogan punched, kicked and strangled his partner - after a day of drinking and taking crack cocaine, on February 28.

The 48-year-old dragged his victim in the hallway of his block of flats at 5am. Teesside Crown Court has heard that Rogan, who works as a bricklayer, became angry after his partner had used his phone.

He punched her in the eye, and grabbed her around the throat, before “squeezing her” with his hand. The victim said she lost consciousness and when she came around, Rogan was standing over her.

The court heard that a resident of one of the neighbouring flats saw what happened.

The police were called and they later found Rogan hiding in a maintenance cupboard in the block of flats.