New Bedford Man Sentenced After Strangling Pregnant Girlfriend

NEW BEDFORD — A New Bedford man arrested last December for strangling and assaulting his pregnant girlfriend has been sentenced to serve up to four years in prison.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office said that 34-year-old Lance Monteiro received the sentence after pleading guilty on Sept. 29 to charges of strangulation, assault and battery on a family or household member, and assault and battery on a pregnant woman.

Monteiro has an "extensive and violent criminal record," according to the D.A.'s office.

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On Dec. 12, 2020 the victim became upset after Monteiro came home later than expected.

The pair got into a verbal argument before Monteiro threw her down and chased her up the stairs to her bedroom.

According to the D.A.'s office, he then strangled her until she couldn't breathe and went in and out of consciousness.

Two young children, aged 4 and 7, were there at the time.

When police arrived they left with the victim’s mother, the D.A.'s office said.

Monteiro has served multiple 2.5 year jail sentences for a variety of violent offenses including several domestic violence-related felonies.

 He will be serving 3.5 to four years in state prison.

"This defendant has a lengthy history of domestic violence and continues to commit these types of crimes," said Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn.

"He definitely needs to be off the streets to protect victims and children, who unfortunately had to be exposed to this violent incident."