Yorkshire man jailed for strangulation and harassment of woman

A man from Staithes has been sentenced to 30 months in prison and received a ten-year restraining order after being convicted of serious violence and harassment against a woman. Paul Craig Harding, aged 37, pleaded guilty to charges including harassment, actual bodily harm, and deliberate strangulation during an earlier court hearing at York Magistrates Court. The sentence was handed down at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. The incident in which Harding assaulted the victim occurred on Saturday, November 26, 2022, involving punching, kicking, and strangulation. Following his arrest in connection with the attack, Harding was released on bail under strict conditions not to contact the victim, but he disregarded these by sending multiple unsolicited emails to her. Police Constable John Chapman from North Yorkshire Police praised the victim for her bravery in coming forward and for her strength during the investigation and court proceedings. The officer emphasized the importance of reporting abuse and encouraged victims to seek help from support agencies or contact police via 101 or 999 if in urgent need.