MAN WHO STRANGLED PARTNER SPARED JAIL SENTENCE
A man accused of controlling and physically abusing his long-term partner threatening her with a knife and strangulation was spared from imprisonment.William Inglis, 32, of Winston Way, Penley, Wrexham, appeared in Mold Crown Court today (April 21) for sentencing before Her Honour Judge Nicola Jones.
He pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, with various other charges including assault causing actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, threats to kill, criminal damage, and possession of a bladed article in a threatening manner being taken into account.
Prosecutor Ryan Rothwell explained that the abuse Ms Lewis endured extended over nearly seven months, from April to November 2025.
The couple, together for about 13 to 14 years, have two children.
According to the court, Inglis’s violent and intimidating behaviour escalated over time.
In April 2025, during a stay at a caravan, he physically pulled Ms Lewis into a bedroom and punched her ankle after she tripped, leading to her requiring hospital care.
He also reportedly forced her to lie about her injuries.
In September, he pulled her out of bed, brandished a knife in the kitchen, and threatened to stab her.
He also made threats against her mother.
Despite being arrested and released on bail, Inglis violated bail conditions by returning to her address and pressuring her to dismiss the allegations.
The most serious incident happened in November, involving damage to her car, spitting at her, and theft of her keys and phone.
He then drove her vehicle at over 80mph, threatening to kill her.
Ms.
Lewis managed to stop the car by pulling the handbrake.
Following the stoppage, violence resumed: Inglis strangled her, bit her arm, and headbutted her, resulting in visible injuries.
She fled to the police, expressing fears for her safety.
During police interviews, Inglis answered “no comment” to all questions.
A victim statement shared during the court proceedings described a pattern of years of abuse, with Ms.
Lewis feeling “controlled, isolated, and powerless,” which has long-term effects on her and her children.
The court acknowledged Inglis's lack of prior convictions.
His solicitor, Simon Mince, stated that Inglis accepted responsibility and had no previous criminal record.
The offenses were linked to substance abuse involving cocaine and alcohol, which he had begun to address during his time in detention.
It was presented that he had shown signs of progress in rehabilitation and was abstinent, with ongoing support from probation services.
Her Honour Judge Nicola Jones described the offenses as highly culpable, aimed at creating fear and involving sustained violence.
She noted that Inglis’s substance addiction had severely affected his family life but showed that he was making efforts to recover.
The court sentenced him to serve 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to complete a 26-session accredited program, 15 days of rehabilitative activities, and a six-month drug treatment order.
He will be monitored by probation and subject to regular drug tests.
A two-year restraining order was issued, banning Inglis from contacting Ms.
Lewis directly or indirectly, except through designated channels for child-related matters.
He is also barred from visiting her home or posting about her online.
