A Ryde man who launched a vicious attack on a woman in front of children, during which he strangled her until she went limp, has been jailed for a total of 27 months.
28-year-old Connor Cragg, previously of St John’s Road in Ryde but now behind bars at HMP Isle of Wight, appeared for sentencing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court this morning (Friday), following a vicious attack at the beginning of the year where he caused his victim to fear for her life.
Cragg originally pleaded not guilty to one count of intentional strangulation when he appeared in court on 13th April, but later changed his plea to guilty on 17th August – the day his trial was set to begin.
During today’s detailed sentencing hearing, prosecutor Tim Devlin explained that between 12th February and 2nd March 2026, Cragg caused a woman to sustain significant injuries when he dragged her to the ground, causing her head to hit the floor, before following her to the bathroom.
The defendant then launched another attack.
It was here that he grabbed the neck of the woman with both hands, strangling her to the extent that her body went limp and she feared she would die.
Police had been called out to the same address just a week before.
In a victim statement read out to the court, the woman said she felt controlled by Cragg and that the attack left her suffering with significant psychological effects on her daily life.
Mr Devlin told Recorder Gibney that following the malicious attack, the victim started cutting herself – and has since admitted that she needed medical help and wishes she had sought it.
Among one of the most aggravating features of the case is that Cragg launched his violent spree when there were children present.
Connor Cragg has 15 previous convictions for 28 offences, the majority of which relate to offences of a similar nature, including battery, assault and destroying property.
Defending her client, Juliet Osborne told Recorder Gibney that Cragg is determined to change his behaviour and is highly motivated to do so. It was said that he has gained insight into difficulties he faces surrounding his relationships with people.
Despite Cragg having already served 18 months on remand, Recorder Gibney told Ms Osborne that this period does not appropriately or sufficiently reflect the gravity of the crime.
Connor Cragg was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment and ordered to comply with a restraining order lasting 10 years.
