Nathaniel Roy-Dickson's problem with alcohol has complicated his life in a number of ways, a judge told him Monday.
It landed him in court on a serious domestic violence charge, ended his relationship with the victim, and is the reason he has a criminal record.
The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to assault by choking and mischief for kicking in a door on Sept. 9, 2022.
Ontario Court Justice John Condon heard a woman, who was attacked by her partner, called 911 shortly after 10 p.m.
When officers arrived at the Fourth Line East address, they found a shirtless man, with no shoes, in the driveway.
The main door to the residence had been ripped off its hinges, assistant Crown attorney Karen Pritchard said.
A distraught woman was located in a downstairs bedroom.
She told officers Roy-Dickson had been drinking, they were arguing, it escalated and "he put her in a choke hold," Pritchard said.
The accused argued and swore at officers when they spoke with him and continued to do so after he was taken into custody.
Assault of a partner is a statutory aggravating factor, and assault by choking is recognized as a serious offence because of its potential consequences, the prosecutor said.
Roy-Dickson's criminal record prior to this incident consisted of a single conviction for an over 80 drinking and driving offence.
"Alcohol is clearly a recurring problem," Pritchard said.
The Crown and defence lawyer Joseph Greco jointly called for a suspended sentence and 12 months probation.
His client is no longer in this relationship, is employed, has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for seven months and plans to continue doing so, Greco said.
"I just want to apologize to the victim and her family for the pain and suffering I've caused them," Roy-Dickson said, when asked if he had anything to say to the court.
"To your credit, you have attempted to deal with the issue," Condon told him.
The judge said the sentence he was imposing "is going to assist you not to come back again."
Condon warned the young man if he breaks the terms of his sentence he can be brought back into court and resentenced.
During his probation, he is not to communicate with the woman "in any way you can think of," and must stay 50 metres away from her.
He also must take any recommended assessment and counselling programs for alcohol abuse and domestic violence, including the Partner Assault Response program.
As well, Condon imposed a two-year weapons prohibition and a DNA order.