Billingham man jailed for violent assault and strangulation of woman

Gavin Day, aged 51 and from Billingham, was involved in a severe assault against a woman on September 16 of the previous year. During the attack, he used physical violence against her and threatened her with ammonia. The victim, frightened, managed to lock herself inside a bathroom, but Day forced his way inside and strangled her. He also inflicted additional injuries to her fingers with a knife and left bruises on her body. After the incident, the woman contacted police, leading to Day's arrest and charges of causing grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, and intentional strangulation. During a trial that commenced on March 18, Day denied the allegations but was ultimately convicted on all counts. On April 11, at Teesside Crown Court, he was sentenced to five and a half years in prison, with an indefinite restraining order issued to safeguard the victim. The court highlighted the terrifying nature of the assault and the injuries sustained. Detective Ryder, from the domestic abuse unit, commended the victim for her bravery in reporting the assault and demonstrating resilience throughout the legal proceedings.