Newton Man Accused of 'Strangulation'

WOBURN, MA - A 43-year-old Newton man is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing after he was accused of choking his ex-girlfriend up to four times during a domestic assault in her Marlborough home last August.

In Middlesex Superior Court on Wednesday, Douglas Taylor was ordered held without bail after pleading not guilty to: Strangulation (four counts); intimidation of a witness; assault and battery of a family member - subsequent offense (two counts); assault and battery (two counts) and violation of a restraining order.

He is scheduled for a dangerousness hearing on April 12, where a judge will determine if Taylor poses such a danger to the alleged victim and the public that no conditions of release will ensure the safety of the alleged victim and the public.

Prosecutors allege that on Aug. 17, 2016, the victim, who shares a child with Taylor, had an active restraining order against him. On that date, the couple got into an oral argument that turned physical when Taylor allegedly tackled her to the floor of her Marlborough apartment and choked her four times.

When she tried to call the police he threatened to harm her and prevented her from making the call, prosecutors allege.

As a result of the incident, the alleged victim suffered a sprained ankle and visible marks on her neck, prosecutors allege.

Photo of Douglas Taylor in Middlesex Superior Court by Lisa Redmond/lisa.redmond@patch.com.