A domestic abuse victim told a court she had been forced to move house because she feared her former partner would return and kill her in her sleep.

The woman said that although the physical injuries had healed, she continued to endure ‘mental torture’ after an 18-month relationship with Alexander Kennedy, who strangled her and threatened to rape and molest her young children.

Kennedy, 52, appeared at the Court of General Gaol Delivery on Wednesday for sentencing, having previously admitted domestic abuse.

Prosecutor Sarah-Jayne Dodge read the woman's victim impact statement, describing bruising, a lump on her head and injuries to her throat following strangulation.

She said: ‘While the physical injuries have healed, the mental torture is still there. I now do not trust men or feel safe around them.’

The woman described overwhelming panic and fears that Kennedy would return to kill her.

She said: ‘I have ongoing nightmares and I have suffered insomnia. I am also hypervigilant now, thinking he is coming to my house to kill me in my sleep.

‘I am always on guard and I even had to move house because I was living in fear.

‘These crimes he committed have altered my life forever. I feel I will never be able to be the same again.’

Ms Dodge said the couple began their relationship in March 2023. It was initially happy, but Kennedy became suspicious and repeatedly accused the woman of cheating.

The prosecutor said: ‘He told the complainant he wanted someone who had no family or friends so she could spend all her time with him.’

The court heard that arguments and assaults had grown more frequent as Kennedy's accusations of infidelity intensified during the relationship.

On August 6, 2024, Kennedy became angry about a social media post, grabbed the woman's phone and threw it away before punching her in the head.

He picked up a glass bottle and threatened to attack her children with it, then threatened to rape and molest them. He also threatened to kill her father and brother.

Kennedy twice grabbed the woman by the throat and strangled her.

Police were called following the attack, and Kennedy was subsequently arrested and charged with domestic abuse.

Kennedy, whose address was given as care of Isle of Man Prison, also admitted resisting arrest following a separate incident on Loch Promenade, Douglas, on July 7 last year.

Defence advocate Paul Glover asked the court to impose a suspended sentence.

He said: ‘My client is a changed man from a year ago. He is not the same Jekyll and Hyde character and is now much more sensible.’

Deemster Graeme Cook considered Kennedy's mental health issues but said he was ‘appalled’ by his behaviour.

He said: ‘There are reasons to hold back on an immediate custodial sentence. It is my public duty to consider both punishment and rehabilitation the best I can.’

Kennedy received a 22-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with supervision. The court also extended his licence by a further two years to protect the public.

For resisting arrest, he received a concurrent two-month prison sentence, also suspended for two years.

Kennedy will also be subject to a Domestic Abuse Protection Order, which the court said would remain in place indefinitely.

Her statement described the lasting fear she experienced after the relationship ended.

Anyone affected by domestic abuse can find information about available support at www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/cabinet-office/public-health/health-improvement/domestic-abuse.