Man jailed for 20 years after non-fatal strangulation of his partner

Michael Cosgrove (23/07/1979) of Livingston Avenue, Wythenshawe, was found guilty of attempted murder and intentional strangulation at a hearing in February.

He has been jailed for 20 years today (Friday 19 September 2025) at Minshull Street Crown Court.  

A few weeks before the incident, the victim discovered that Cosgrove was messaging other women and trying to meet up with them.

They stayed together but arguments ensued and on the night of August 25 2024, they went to a gig together and had an argument.

When they returned home, things turned violent and Cosgrove strangled the victim on three separate occasions, the last time to the point of unconsciousness.

During the attack, neighbours heard screaming and called the police. 

Cosgrove was heard shouting “I am going down for this, you are going to die. We are both going to die.”

Officers arrived and forced entry and the victim was found on the bed. Cosgrove jumped out of the bathroom window to escape after the attack.

He returned to the house the next morning and was chased by an officer stationed outside, before he was found hiding in the boot of the victim’s car. Cosgrove declined to answer questions in his police interview.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, the victim said: “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. The level of control Michael had over me made me feel bad and made me not go into work.

“He knew how terrified I was, I begged him to stop attacking me. 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.

“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 leave hit me.”

Katie Nicolson, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Detective Constable Chris Payne said: “I want to sincerely thank the victim for her support 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.

“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.

“If you believe you may be a victim of domestic abuse, please know that Greater Manchester Police is here for you. We will listen, investigate thoroughly, and take decisive action against perpetrators. Your report will be treated with seriousness, and you will be supported with dignity and respect.”

Not all violence against women and girls starts as physical abuse, and instances may go unreported as people in controlling relationships often do not recognise the harm they face.

To help in preventing this behaviour, we are supporting the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s ‘#IsThisOk?’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness around the signs of coercive and controlling behaviour.

More information on the ‘#IsThisOkay: This is not a Game, Boy’ campaign can be found here: #IsThisOk?

Report and support information

We encourage any victim of domestic abuse to come forward to us by calling 101, reporting on our website, or using our Live Chat service. We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable people, reducing harm and bringing offenders to justice. We will listen, support and act.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Whether you choose to report to police, or not, please know that support is out there.

You can contact the below local support organisations who will help you.

Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. For anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Includes a language service and advice for the LGBT community.