An Isle of Wight man has been convicted of the new offence of non-fatal strangulation, under section 70 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
Non-fatal strangulation became an offence in its own right, separate to assault, on June 7 this year, under section 70 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Yesterday (Thursday), 26-year-old Joshua James Hunt pleaded guilty to the offence at Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court.
This is Hampshire Constabulary’s first conviction of the new offence, and believed to be one of the first in the whole country.
The circumstances surrounding this case are that at around 11.50pm on June 17 this year, Hunt grabbed a woman by the throat in the Little London area of Newport.
The woman also sustained bruising to her arms as a result of the assault. She attempted to free herself from Hunt’s grip, and he let go when he noticed a number of members of the public were around, on their way home from the Isle of Wight Festival.
He then proceeded to strangle the woman again to the point she could not breathe, before three members of the public approached the couple and police were called.
Hunt, of Petticoat Lane in Newport, was arrested and subsequently charged with non-fatal strangulation and breach of a restraining order, both of which he admitted when appearing before Magistrates.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on August 23.
Chief Superintendent Dave Powell, Force 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.
“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.”
"Visit our website to find a list of support services near you that can help."
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