Man jailed for strangling and biting woman

A man has been jailed for strangling and biting his ex-partner during an "incredibly distressing" attack which left her unable to pick her kids up from school.

Joshua Whittaker, 31, of Jenkins Street in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, was sentenced to 33 months in prison when he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on Thursday.

He pleaded guilty to non-fatal strangulation and actual bodily harm (ABH).

On 3 October, Whittaker attacked the victim while at her friend's house, and then later assaulted her again while on bail on 20 October, the court was told.

In a statement read out in court, she said: "Every week I've been getting hit and getting black eyes. [It's] affecting me and my mental health.

"I don't want to take it anymore. I want it to stop, I want it to end. I want the man out of my life.

"It's happening too often. I'm letting my children down - they mean everything to me."

Investigating officer PC Hayden Baker said: "I'd like to thank the victim for her incredible bravery in coming forward and providing crucial evidence so that we could get the sentence for her.

"The incidents were incredibly distressing and traumatic for her and I hope the sentence can now help her to move forward with her life."

Whittaker was also handed a five-year restraining order.

"I hope this provides reassurance that the police can and will pursue all avenues to get justice for victims and will investigate these crimes thoroughly.

"We want anyone that experiences domestic abuse in Wiltshire to know you're not alone.

"We want you to report to us, and we want to offer you support. If you don't want to report to the police, please reach out to one of our partner agencies," PC Baker added.

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