MAN GIVEN SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER DOMESTIC ABUSE INCLUDING STRANGULATION
Josh Clarke has received a 21-month prison sentence, which has been suspended, along with a five-year restraining order following convictions for domestic abuse crimes.The court was informed that Clarke had inflicted repeated physical violence and exerted controlling conduct towards his former partner during their relationship, which lasted just under four months.
The abuse was characterised as persistent and progressively worsening, resulting in the victim feeling isolated and fearful.
Throughout the relationship, Clarke physically assaulted his partner on multiple occasions.
The violence was severe enough to include strangulation, which caused her to lose consciousness.
She was subsequently hospitalised at Pinderfields Hospital, where she stayed for nearly two days due to her injuries.
The woman had known Clarke for several years before they became partners and stated she had not expected such extreme violence to occur.
Court reports indicated that Clarke often depicted himself as the victim in past relationships, concealing a pattern of abusive behavior that was only revealed later.
The court also heard that the abuse entailed intimidation, manipulation, and coercive tactics, making the victim feel trapped and too frightened to seek help.
Clarke was sentenced to a suspended 21-month prison term and was issued a restraining order forbidding contact for five years.
