STALKER STRANGLED MUM-OF-ONE DURING TERRIFYING ATTACK
A controlling and violent ex-partner has been jailed for 22 months after launching a brutal assault on a mother-of-one, followed by a string of abusive and threatening voice messages.Aaron Hodgkinson, 25, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, 30 August, where he was sentenced for a series of serious offences committed against his former girlfriend.
Judge Mark Watson, presiding over the case, outlined the background to the offending, explaining that Hodgkinson and the victim had been in a relationship for some time before his behaviour became increasingly possessive and controlling.
The abuse began on 10 January this year, when Hodgkinson placed the woman in a headlock, stamped on her, and then applied a chokehold.
Following the physical assault, he sent her a series of threatening voice notes, including one in which he warned her to “watch her mouth” and threatened to stab her.
“She gave as good as she got, responding in kind to the abuse,” said Judge Watson.
“But you were the one with the dominant hand.” Hodgkinson’s actions escalated when he turned up at her home armed with a Stanley knife, demanding to be let in while issuing further threats of violence.
“You threatened to beat her up and stab her,” the judge added.
After his arrest, during a medical check while in custody, Hodgkinson attempted to force his way past the woman, barging into her and grabbing her arm.
This, the court heard, was not an attempt to harm her, but rather a failed escape attempt.
Hodgkinson, of Raithby Close, Bestwood, has previous convictions, including for robbery, criminal damage, and threatening behaviour dating back to 2015.
He admitted to possessing a bladed article (the Stanley knife), assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stalking involving fear of violence between 11 January and 20 May this year, and assaulting an emergency worker.
The court ordered the Stanley knife to be forfeited and destroyed.
An indefinite restraining order was also imposed, preventing any contact with the victim.
In mitigation, Shannon English told the court her client had endured a very difficult upbringing, having spent his childhood in care until the age of 18.
She said Hodgkinson struggled with serious mental health issues and had a long-standing heroin addiction, though he is now abstinent while in custody.
