HEXHAM MAN JAILED FOR STRANGULATION AND ASSAULT IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE
A man identified as Grant Hunter from Hexham has been sentenced for domestic violence incidents including serious physical assault and strangulation of his partner.The court heard that Hunter, who has been in a relationship with the victim since 2023 and worked as a crew hand in technical theatre, became increasingly aggressive around two months into their relationship.
Prosecutor Helen Towers stated that in December 2023, Hunter put his hands around his partner’s throat and strangled her until she lost consciousness.
The woman experienced soreness, tunnel vision, and audible cricket noises, indicating the severity of her injury.
Earlier in February of the previous year, Hunter also assaulted her during a heated argument, grabbing her face, applying pressure, and pushing her head into a wall with such force that it left an indentation.
When he was arrested, police found a 16-minute video on his phone depicting his violent acts.
Hunter pleaded guilty to charges of strangulation and assault and was sentenced to 34 months in prison.
Additionally, he received a five-year restraining order preventing contact with the victim and visiting her home in Battlefield.
During the sentencing, Recorder Andrew Latimer commented on the dangerous nature of Hunter’s actions, emphasizing the thin line between life and death in such incidents.
Hunter's defense lawyer, Fiona Lamb, indicated that he is now in a new relationship and has remorse for his previous behavior, stating that he has stopped drinking and is capable of fostering a healthy relationship.
The court acknowledged his regret but recognized the seriousness of his past actions.
