A Leicestershire woman is starting to rebuild her life after her abusive ex-partner strangled her until she was unconscious in a violent and terrifying attack. The 42-year-old man, who has not been named to protect the victim's identity, was convicted at Leicester Crown Court on Monday, December 12, of unlawfully and maliciously wounding and non-fatal strangulation - which became an offence in its own right on June 7, 2022.

The man was also charged on two counts of rape, of which he was found not guilty. On Tuesday, December 13, the man was given a 22-month sentence, suspended for two years, as well as a 10-year restraining order against the victim.

The charges relate to an incident which happened on June 9 at a Leicestershire address, where the female victim, 27, was subjected to a violent attack by her then-partner - an attack which she believed she would not get out of alive. The woman, who has remained anonymous under the Sexual Offences Act, has spoken out about her abusive relationship and the pain she endured - with the man smashing her head on the floor and strangling her until she passed out after snapping 'out of nowhere'.

The woman has now opened up about her abusive relationship and her attack (stock image)
The woman has now opened up about her abusive relationship and her attack (stock image)

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She said: “After multiple calls and messages throughout the day I eventually let him come over. He hadn’t been there long when things turned physical.

“We were talking when out of nowhere he snapped; grabbed me by the neck and smashed my head on the floor. As I tried to escape he dragged me by the hair into another room and as I lay on the floor he kicked and punched me. He then grabbed me around the neck and as he tightened his grip I could not breathe. Before I passed out I was petrified, I thought I was going to die.

“I’ve known him for a couple of years now and it’s been hell. I was holding on to the man he was when I first met him – he made me laugh, he’d take me places – I loved his company. As things turned bad I held onto the hope that the person I cared for was in there somewhere and would come back.

“I knew I needed help but I felt ashamed when ringing the police - I know I shouldn’t but I did. Now with the support of family and friends I’ve got to find myself again and rebuild my life.”

Following the incident, the woman fled her home and sought help nearby - with the police being called shortly after. Officers attended and found pools of blood on the floor and a glass bottle nearby, which is believed to have been used during the assault.

The victim had various cuts and bruises to her face, head, arms, and legs, and is still suffering headaches months after the attack after being diagnosed with a severe concussion. Her partner was quickly located, arrested, and subsequently charged - becoming the first person Leicestershire Police had charged with the non-fatal strangulation offence under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

The new offence typically involves the perpetrator strangling or affecting the victim's ability to breathe to control or intimidate them, and was made a specific offence as the act can often leave no visible injury and previously made it difficult to prosecute under existing law.

Leicester Crown Court
The man was convicted at Leicester Crown Court

The defendant had previously pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order against the same victim at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to one day in prison - which he has already served.

Temporary Detective Constable Lorraine Hendrie, officer in the case, said: “The woman in this case showed great strength and bravery in being able to come forward and tell us what had happened to her during that evening.

“She suffered a violent and terrifying attack and has not only been left with physical scars from that night but mental and emotional trauma which will take much longer to heal. I do hope with the support of abuse services and those around her she can now begin to move forward.”

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Batchelor, force lead for domestic abuse, said: “Tackling abuse such as this and providing support to those who suffer at the hands of their partners and ex-partners is a top priority for the force.

“The attack this woman endured was horrendous so I am particularly pleased the defendant was convicted under this new offence which recognises a particularly horrific act.

“To anyone who is suffering or concerned about an abusive relationship – please know you are not alone and have nothing to be ashamed of. We have specially trained officers who are here to listen and support you. Please contact us or local support services and seek help.”

You can report domestic abuse by calling the police on 101, or by 999 in an emergency. You can also report it online via Leicestershire Police's website. Freeva provides specialist support to help people leave situations of domestic abuse, and you can contact them online or by calling 0808 802 0028.

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