Perry Dyson, 30, of Brynlluan in Gorslas, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with two offences.
Dyson was alleged to have engaged in controlling or coercive behaviour in a relationship between December 1 last year and August 20 this year, causing his partner to fear violence would be used against her.
The prosecution alleged that he physically assaulted and verbally abused, strangled her, and used her money on gambling sites without her knowledge.
He was further charged with strangling his partner on August 19.
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Dyson pleaded guilty to coercive control, and not guilty to strangulation.
The court heard that the defendant could enter a basis of plea on the coercive control charge to exclude the strangulation part of the offence.
Judge Paul Thomas KC adjourned the case until December 16 for the Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether the pleas, and any basis which is offered, are acceptable.
Dyson was re-admitted to bail until that date.