A Wythenshawe man who jumped barefoot from a bedroom window to escape police after attempting to murder his ex-partner has been jailed for 20 years following a brutal strangulation attack in Stockport.
Michael Cosgrove, 46, pinned his victim to her bed and told her “You are dead tonight. You know that don’t you? I’m going to kill you and then kill myself” during the vicious assault at her home on 25 August 2024.
Police body-cam footage captured the dramatic moment officers burst into the property, forcing entry just as the victim lost consciousness during the sustained attack that left her believing she would die.
Dramatic Police Response
Greater Manchester Police officers arrived at the scene after neighbours heard screaming and called for help. Body-cam footage shows officers banging on the door six times before barging through the woman’s front door.
This is the police. Make yourself known,” an officer called out as they entered the property.
Upon hearing the police, Cosgrove fled by jumping out of the bathroom window barefoot. He managed to evade officers for several hours but returned to the house the following morning, still without shoes, where he was found hiding in the boot of the victim’s car by an officer stationed outside.
The victim was discovered unconscious on her bed, lying in her own faeces, requiring immediate medical attention.
Relationship Turned Violent
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that the horror unfolded after the victim discovered Cosgrove had been messaging other women on dating apps in the weeks prior to the attack. This discovery led to numerous arguments between the couple, though they remained together.
On the night of 25 August 2024, the pair had attended a gig together before returning home. When the woman told Cosgrove she intended to leave him and move in with her mother, he launched his attack.
Prosecutor Chloe Fordham told the court that Cosgrove strangled the victim on three separate occasions whilst she vomited and hyperventilated. The third strangulation rendered her unconscious.
During the assault, Cosgrove was heard shouting: “I am going down for this, you are going to die. We are both going to die.”
Victim’s Desperate Escape Attempt
The victim’s impact statement, read aloud in court, revealed the terror she experienced during the attack.
“He knew how terrified I was, I begged him to stop attacking me,” she said. “I was so scared I tried to jump out my bedroom window as I thought I would be better off with broken legs or a broken back because he is going to kill me.”
Cosgrove pulled her back from the window and continued strangling her even after she lost consciousness.
The victim added: “When I was in hospital I felt like I’d ruined his life, even though he did such awful things to me. He’s never had the decency to admit what he’s done to me and that really upsets me.”
‘Still in Shock’
The psychological impact of the attack continues to affect the victim profoundly. “The level of control Michael had over me made me feel bad and made me not go into work,” she stated.
“I can’t get my head around being in this sort of position, I know I’m still in shock and I don’t know when that will hit me.”
Despite the severity of the attack, Cosgrove declined to answer questions during his police interview. At trial in February 2025, he claimed he was acting in self-defence, alleging the victim had been drunk and that he had merely caught her by the throat as she fell over.
A jury rejected these claims, finding him guilty of attempted murder and intentional strangulation on 25 February 2025.
20-Year Sentence
Cosgrove, of Livingston Avenue, Wythenshawe, was sentenced to 20 years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, 19 September 2025. He was also handed an indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with his former partner.
Katie Nicolson, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said after the sentencing: “Michael Cosgrove sought to take the life of someone he claimed to love in a brutal and vicious attack. His victim believed she would die, and that is what he intended to happen.”
She added: “In this case it was clear: strangulation was this coward’s method of choice to kill. But unfortunately, strangulation as a tactic for abusers to exert control and power over their victims is far from unusual.”
Record Strangulation Cases
The conviction comes as Crown Prosecution Service data reveals record levels of non-fatal strangulation cases reaching court. In the first three quarters of 2024/25, 5,613 non-fatal strangulation cases resulted in a Magistrates Court hearing, with 12,604 cases since standalone legislation was introduced in 2022.
Within the most recent three-month period, nearly a quarter of all attempted murder charges were linked to domestic abuse.
Nicolson praised the criminal justice system’s improved approach to such cases: “This conviction is testament to the work achieved across the criminal justice system to improve how we bring together medical evidence, witness accounts and prosecution strategies in domestic abuse cases.”
Bravery Praised
Detective Constable Chris Payne, of Greater Manchester Police, thanked the victim for her support and bravery 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,” he said.
“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.”
The CPS emphasised their commitment to securing justice for victims of domestic violence, with Nicolson adding: “I cannot commend the victim enough for her bravery and taking the opportunity to raise awareness so others have the confidence to report these crimes knowing they will be taken seriously.
Support for Victims
The case highlights the serious nature of strangulation in domestic abuse contexts, with experts warning that every act of strangulation makes the risk of homicide real.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, which is free and operates 24 hours a day. In an emergency, always call 999.
Those feeling distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.
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