Isle of Wight man Joshua Hunt, who was one of the first people in the country to be convicted of the new offence of non-fatal strangulation, has been jailed after breaching his restraining order and his suspended sentence.
At around 23:50 on 17th June this year, 26-year-old Joshua James Hunt assaulted a woman known to him in the Little London area of Newport by grabbing her by the throat.
The woman also sustained bruising to her arms as a result of the attack. 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 3 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 on 23rd June this year. Non-fatal strangulation became an offence in its own right, separate to assault, on 7th June this year, under section 70 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
This was Hampshire Constabulary’s first conviction for non-fatal strangulation, and one of the first of its kind in the country.
At his sentencing hearing on 23rd August, Hunt was given an 18-month sentence, suspended for 2 years.
Just 2 days later, Police were contacted by the Probation Service after Hunt attended an appointment accompanied by the victim in this case – a further breach of his existing restraining order. He was subsequently arrested and charged and appeared before His Honour Judge Shepherd at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Monday).
The judge jailed him for 20 months. This was comprised of 16 months of the previous suspended sentence order being activated, with an additional 4 months following Hunt’s guilty plea on 5th September to the restraining order breach. Hunt was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.
Acting Chief Inspector Andy McDonald has said:
“Tackling perpetrators of domestic abuse is an absolute priority for us on the Island, and it is so important that we maximise every possible opportunity to monitor offenders out in the community.
“Ancillary orders such as restraining orders are crucial in limiting the opportunity for criminals to offend, and also allowing us to take further action against dangerous individuals who show blatant disregard for restrictions imposed by the court.
“Hunt poses a significant risk to the woman in this case, and that is made clear by the shocking and violent assault he committed against her in a public place.
“I am grateful to the Probation workers who identified Hunt’s further offending and raised the alarm to police. Their efforts show what a strong and effective partnership we have here on the Island to safeguard vulnerable people.
“I would urge anyone suffering domestic abuse to seek support, and not suffer in silence. Please call the police or a domestic abuse support service. Your calls will be taken seriously.”
He looks psychotic, and that’s coming from me of all people lmao
looks like a right k nob
Doesn’t look desirable but he’s a good read
I found the role of the protagonist to be quite contrived, although the plot as a whole stands up pretty well. It’s a 6 out of 10 from me.
Unfortunately not available in hardback.
Its a NO ruth from me
I take it you’re female ‘Ruth’? Are you condoning domestic violence against women as socially acceptable behaviour? I don’t know what dark and gloomy world you live in or what goes on in your dark and murky mind, but in the REAL world this is NOT simply ‘a good read’ but further evidence that a zero tolerance policy on domestic violence must be constantly reinforced.
Last time I glanced You couldn’t be further from my reality Google Paragon You may then have insight
Shut up you t**t.
Another coward that can only attack girls or women, I hope he becomes someone’s B*ch in prison…
Should have been classed as attempted murder
Having worked in a high security prison this guy would wet himself if he had to do some real time. He’s good a beating woman, a real hard man. A coward when it comes to hitting males, he would only do it when their back it turned. Just another knob head on the island who now thinks he’s got a badge of honor awarded by the judge and will use it to in still fear in others. This guy should have been banged up. Expect to read about him in the near future.
Any man who commits domestic violence against women should be put straight in prison, the justice system needs to be firmer to put these scum away, or they just keep doing it.They are cowards that use their strength against women to intimidate and frighten them.
To all you women out there don’t put up with it, your worth far more than these shitty men. They will not change however many times they tell you they will. I know because I was there once where you are. I’d like to wipe that smirk off his face who’s with me?.
Having worked in a high security prison this guy would wet himself if he had to do some real time. He’s good a beating woman, a real hard man. A coward when it comes to hitting males, he would only do it when their back it turned. Just another knob head on the island who now thinks he’s got a badge of honor awarded by the judge and will use it to in still fear in others. This guy should have been banged up longer, he will only serve 10 months. What justice is that. Expect to read about him in the near future.
Sadly women who think they will ever change are more in need of mental health services than this vile piece of excreta
I would have made it wear a shirt for the mugshot. Hope jail is as unkind to him as he was to the woman he was abusing
Agree – the pose is as though he is seeking his next victim.
Non fatal strangulation = attempted murder in my book. What a joke the law is becoming. No wonder there are so many crimes in the UK.
Why did “The Victim” attend probation with him ! ????
confused.com