An Isle of Wight man has been convicted of the new offence of non-fatal strangulation, thought to be the first person in the country to be convicted of such offence.
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.
Yesterday (Thursday), 26-year-old Joshua James Hunt, of Petticoat Lane in Newport, pleaded guilty to the offence at Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court.
At around 23:50 on 17th June 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 3 members of the public approached the couple and police were called.
Hunt 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 has been remanded in custody to appear at Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on 23rd August.
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.
Article continues below this advertisement “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 7 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.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Except they don’t take it seriously. A friend of mine has called them out 5 times because of the abuse taking place next door. He has even recorded the abuse yet the police insist the women involved must have visible physical injuries for it to be worthwhile prosecuting.
£50 says he gets a slap on the wrist
Don’t you no about the word !!!!!!!
Bird bird bird is the word big bird big bird
Needs to be removed from the gene pool.
Me and Fred says bird bird bird is word
Don’t you know about the word bird turd
What is actually wrong with him?? He Wouldn’t like it if it was done to him I bet you?
Some real sicko people about.
Thank goodness for those people brave enough to help and call the police. Hope the lady was ok.
He is a total waste of space and the air he breathes. Take the punishment like a man, oh wait, your not a real man if you pick on women and half strangle them are you.