A MAN WHO THROTTLED HIS GIRLFRIEND JUST A WEEK AFTER A NEW NON-STRANGULATION LAW CAME INTO FORCE HAS BEEN JAILED.
On June 7, 2022, non-fatal strangulation was officially enacted as an independent criminal offence in law.Shortly after, on June 15, Connor Vickers, residing in Corby, attempted to choke his partner.
He later appeared in court on August 17 to admit guilt to the charge of intentional strangulation, becoming among the first individuals nationally to do so.
On October 27, 2022, Vickers faced sentencing at Northampton Crown Court for the strangulation offence in addition to two assault charges involving the same woman, which occurred on August 8.
Court proceedings revealed that while the victim was attempting to leave a property, Vickers grabbed her neck and applied force, restricting her breathing, and then proceeded to kick her.
Vickers, living on Everest Lane in Corby, received an 18-month prison sentence.
The court did not impose a restraining order, as it was noted that Vickers and the victim currently maintain a friendly relationship.
A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police stated, “Combating violence against women and girls remains a priority for Northamptonshire Police.
We are pleased that Vickers has admitted to these offences.
This case marks one of our earliest convictions under the new legislation for intentional strangulation, which we supported upon its introduction, and we will continue to pursue similar charges when appropriate.” In April 2020, advocacy groups We Can’t Consent to This (WCCTT) and the Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) urged for a separate criminal offence specifically addressing non-fatal strangulation or asphyxiation.
This proposal gained backing from both the Domestic Abuse and Victims’ Commissioners as well as other domestic abuse charities across England and Wales.
CWJ highlighted that survivors frequently report incidents of strangulation and that abusers may use it as a method to instill fear, exert power, and control their victims.
The push for a distinct offence arose from concerns that perpetrators could evade conviction, particularly since such acts often leave no visible injuries, complicating prosecution under existing laws.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 amended the Serious Crime Act 2015 by creating two new sections that establish a dedicated offence for non-fatal strangulation and suffocation.
