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| Woman being strangled (stock image). |
An Isle of Wight man has become the first in England and Wales to be convicted of the new offence of non-fatal strangulation.
Joshua James Hunt, 26, of Petticoat Lane, Newport, admitted charges of non-fatal strangulation and breaching a restraining order when he appeared at Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 24th June 2022.
Non-fatal strangulation is an offence under section 75A of the Serious Crime Act, as amended by section 70 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The maximum penalty is 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 5 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment.
The provision only came into force on 7th June 2022.
Magistrates heard that the offence took place in the Little London area of Newport just before midnight on Friday, 17th June 2022.
Hunt grabbed the woman by the throat. She struggled to free herself, with Hunt letting go when he noticed members of the public nearby.
He then strangled the woman again, to such an extent that she was unable to breathe. Fortunately members of the public intervened, separated the pair and the police were called.
The woman's arms were bruised in the assault.
Hunt was arrested and charged with the new offence.
Chief Superintendent Dave Powell, Hampshire Constabulary's lead for Domestic Abuse, said:
"Tackling domestic abuse, and those who perpetrate it, is a priority for us and we welcome this conviction.
"This was a shocking and violent assault, and I am pleased that such swift action has been taken against the man responsible.
"I am grateful to PC James White and the team who led the investigation for recognising, interpreting and applying this new legislation so quickly to ensure the most robust response was undertaken when dealing with this awful crime.
"The legislation under which Hunt was charged only came into effect on 7th June this year. We hope this conviction reassures the public that Hampshire Constabulary and our partners will take every proactive effort in targeting domestic abuse perpetrators, applying new legislation swiftly, and protecting vulnerable victims.
"We would urge anyone who feels they are a victim of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence. Please call the police or a domestic abuse support service. Your calls will be taken seriously."
Louise Holmes, CPS Wessex Senior District Crown Prosecutor and Domestic Abuse Lead, said: "Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on victims and their family - this new law gives prosecutors more charging powers to protect people from violent abusers and I am pleased to see it being used already to bring offenders to justice.
"Our prosecutors have received training on the new non-fatal strangulation and non-fatal suffocation offences. We are ready to apply the new legislation where there is sufficient evidence and our legal test is met.
"We are working closely with the police to make sure these horrendous crimes are identified from the outset."
Magistrates remanded Hunt in custody until his sentencing on Tuesday, 23rd August 2022.
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