MAN THROTTLED HIS WIFE AS SHE CRADLED CRYING SON IN HER ARMS
A man convicted of assaulting and choking his wife has been sentenced to prison.The incident occurred when 40-year-old David Hunt, residing on Westcott Street in east Hull, physically attacked his wife after an argument, during which he pressed both hands around her neck while she was holding their crying three-year-old son.
The court heard that Hunt then pushed her onto the floor, causing her to drop their child, and took the keys from the front door as tensions escalated.
The attack took place at their home in Salisbury Villas off Holland Street on the evening of July 23 last year.
Prosecutor Martin Robertshaw explained that the dispute started around 7:30 pm, with Hunt initially lying about his whereabouts.
When confronted, he lost control and told his wife to 'shut the f*** up.' Hunt then went upstairs, where he was heard banging, and after coming downstairs, he removed the front door key during an argument.
As their son became distressed, Hunt's wife tried to comfort him, but Hunt placed both hands around her neck, squeezing tightly, which caused her to struggle for breath.
She was pushed to the floor, resulting in her dropping their son, who became more upset.
The wife called the police during the incident, and Hunt, who was at the scene, picked up a knife.
Recognising the police were en route, Hunt left the property but was later arrested at a friend's house.
He denied grabbing his wife around the neck but admitted to pushing her to the ground with both hands on her chest.
When shown photos of her injuries, Hunt dismissed them, claiming one looked like a tan and the others could be anything.
Following the incident, Hunt’s wife stated that their relationship was 'definitely over' and explained her decision to split for her and her son's safety.
Hunt’s criminal record includes multiple violent offenses, notably a 2012 conviction for domestic violence against a former partner, where he assaulted her until she pretended to be dead.
Defence barrister, Stephen Robinson acknowledged Hunt's history of violence but noted he hadn't been convicted of any offenses since 2012 and suggested his issues were linked to alcohol and the deteriorating relationship.
The court was told that Hunt was found with a folding knife resembling a credit card, as well as cannabis and heroin, during a police raid at his residence on October 26 last year.
Hunt explained he had bought the knife for a friend, and at the time it was not being used in public.
On June 21, Hunt appeared in court to be sentenced for actual bodily harm, drug possession, and possession of an offensive weapon.
The judge highlighted concern regarding Hunt’s volatile temper and previous convictions, emphasising that Hunt’s behavior was unacceptable, especially in front of his young son.
Judge Mark Bury sentenced Hunt to 20 months in prison for the assault and an additional four months for possessing the knife, to be served consecutively.
