Baker was jailed at the High Court in Edinburgh

Jason Baker attacked his partner Amanda Reilly after learning that she planned to split up with him.

During the abuse Baker handed Ms Reilly a notepad and told her to write a letter to her daughter "because you are never going to see her again," a court heard.

Judge Alexander Wilkinson told Baker he was sending out a message that violence within relationships was unacceptable.

"It has to be made clear to you and others that violent, and seriously violent conduct of this kind, particularly towards women in domestic relationships, is in no way to be condoned," he said.

The attack took place at the couple's home in Granton Crescent, Edinburgh, on 13 February.

'Not going anywhere'

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Ms Reilly was filling in an income support form which would have had the effect of excluding Baker from the house.

Advocate depute Peter Hammond said: "When he realised what she was doing he said 'There is no point in filling in those forms as I am not going anywhere'."

He approached Ms Reilly, 28, who became frightened and put her coat on in an attempt to leave.

Baker grabbed the coat and threw it to the floor before picking up a dog lead which he put round her neck, pulling it and affecting her breathing.

It is her intention to try to be with him at a time when he is free to do so Solicitor-advocate Alex Prentice

She managed to wrestle free and cried for help at the window.

Mr Hammond said: "At this point Baker caught her and threw her into a chair and then punched her on the head."

The lead was pulled tighter and she feared she would die, the court heard.

Ms Reilly managed to free herself, but Baker said he was going to kill her.

He then handed Ms Reilly the notepad to write a farewell letter to her daughter.

The victim persuaded Baker she would not report the attack and he went to bed.

She reported the attack the next day.

Reconcile differences

Baker later claimed to police that Ms Reilly had driven him to attack her.

He was originally charged with attempted murder, but the Crown accepted his guilty plea to a reduced charge of assault to the danger of life.

Defence solicitor-advocate Alex Prentice said the victim had written to Baker in prison expressing a desire to be together and reconcile their differences.

Mr Prentice said: "It is her intention to try to be with him at a time when he is free to do so. She still has deep feelings for him."

He said Baker was "deeply sorry" for his actions and recognised that alcohol was the root cause of his offending.