Ex-partner strangled and used as 'human punchbag'

EX-PARTNER STRANGLED AND USED AS 'HUMAN PUNCHBAG'

A woman who survived domestic abuse has recounted feeling as if she was on the verge of death during a prolonged assault by her ex-partner.

Martin Woodhouse, aged 39 and without a fixed address, admitted to charges including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, stalking that induced a fear of violence, and various driving offences.

In her victim impact statement, the woman explained that Woodhouse was unable to tolerate the thought of losing control over her and that he "snapped" as a result.

Last week at Bradford Crown Court, he received a prison sentence of seven years and three months.

The police in West Yorkshire stated the attack took place on 1 September 2024, while the stalking allegations covered a period from 7 December 2024 to 31 January.

"He beat me like I was an animal - I've never felt that level of hatred and violence before," her statement said.

"He hit me harder than I could ever imagine, without any care, without any remorse." She continued: I thought I was going to die.

I honestly thought that was it.

I couldn't breathe, couldn't escape, this went on for hours." The woman said he later called her workplace and attempted to get her "sacked".

"The physical wounds healed, but the mental scars, they're something I don't know how to escape from," she added.

Det Insp David Purcell said Woodhouse had "been responsible for a sustained attack on the victim which left her with significant facial injuries, as well as other injuries all over her body".

"What then followed was a campaign of stalking, putting the victim in fear that she would be subject to further violence at Woodhouse's hands," he said.

The officer said it had taken "immense courage" for the woman to come forward and report the offences.

Woodhouse was also convicted following a trial of two counts of dangerous driving in relation to incidents on the 28 and 29 January when he failed to stop for officers.