MAN JAILED FOR THREE YEARS AFTER STRANGLING WOMAN IN ESSEX
A MAN who grabbed a woman by the neck and stopped her from breathing in Colchester has been jailed.Daniel Baptiste, from London, has been put behind bars for 43 months after being convicted of assault by beating and strangling a woman in Colchester.
The complainant, a woman in her 40s, called the police in April just moments after Baptiste grabbed her by the neck and lifted her off the ground, stopping her from breathing.
Essex Police launched an investigation, jointly led by the Public Protection Investigation Team and the Domestic Abuse Investigation Team.
Over the following week, the woman developed the confidence to make a statement about the incident and shared further details of Baptiste’s behaviour.
Baptiste, 46, of Mendip Close in Sydenham, fled the country but was located as he returned to the UK and was arrested and later charged.
He pleaded guilty to non-fatal strangulation and assault by beating from an incident in July 2024.
At Ipswich Crown Court on December 17, he was sentenced to 25 months in prison.
He also had a suspended sentence activated for an unrelated matter, adding a consecutive 18-month sentence to his term and bringing the total to 43 months.
A restraining order has also been granted for seven years.
Speaking after the sentencing, the woman in this case said: “I would like to personally thank all of those involved in the investigation within Essex Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Especially Jade Gwillim, Jade Lawton and Lauren Birch for their thorough investigation and the constant support and kindness they have all shown me.
They are an absolute credit to Essex Police.
“Without them believing in me and helping me to open my eyes to the abuse I suffered I know that I wouldn’t be here today.
I cannot thank them enough.
“I hope that by me speaking the truth and the defendant being brought to justice that I have saved many other women.” Det Gwillim said the bravery of the victim in this case meant Baptiste was able to be arrested.
They said: “The strength of this woman and her support of our investigation is what made this result possible.
"We are all pleased to see Baptiste given a lengthy sentence for his crimes – it is an example of all the work we are doing to reduce violence against women and girls in Essex and that work carries on every day.”
