A knife-wielding man who forced his way into a bathroom and strangled a woman during a 'terrifying' attack has been jailed.
Gavin Day, from Billingham, subjected the victim to various forms of physical violence and threatened her with ammonia during the incident on September 16 last year. The woman locked herself in the bathroom in fear to avoid the attacker - but the 51-year-old forced his way in and proceeded to strangle her.
Day further assaulted the victim, causing further injuries to her fingers with the knife as well as bruising to her body. After she reported the incident to the police, Day was arrested and subsequently charged with causing grievous bodily harm, causing actual bodily harm, and intentional strangulation.
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Day denied the offences but following a trial - which started on Monday, March 18 - he was found guilty of all three charges. On Thursday, April 11, Day appeared at Teesside Crown Court where the judge handed him a five-and-a-half-year sentence as well as an indefinite restraining order to protect the survivor.
DC Ryder of the domestic abuse unit said: “This was a terrifying incident that left the victim fearful for her life. Day violently attacked the victim causing numerous injuries to her body. I’d like to thank the victim for her bravery in reporting what had happened to her and the incredible strength she has shown throughout this whole process.
“I would urge any victims who have suffered domestic abuse in any form to come forward and report it to Cleveland Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”
If you have been affected by issues in this report there is help available
Domestic abuse can take any form - psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.
- Domestic abuse or violence is a crime - if you're in immediate danger, call 999.
- Support can also be sought through the English National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
- My Sister’s Place’ provides support services to women over 16 years who are or have suffered domestic abuse. Visit www.mysistersplace.org.uk or call 01642 241 864.
- The Respect Phoneline is a confidential helpline for domestic violence perpetrators, male or female, wishing to address their violence and abuse. Call freephone 0808 802 4040 Monday to Friday.
- Hart Gables aims to provide support and inclusion to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender individuals of all ages, and the wider community in the Teesside area. Visit www.hartgables.org.uk or call 01642 675509.
- Arch is a specialist provider of free, confidential sexual violence support services across Teesside, offering support to men and women over 14 who have suffered rape or sexual abuse at any time in their lives. Visit www.archnortheast.org or call 01642 822331.
- Tees Valley women’s Centre is the only “women only” space in Teesside, providing a holistic approach to all women’s issues. Visit www.teesvalleywomenscentre.org.uk or call 01642 296166.
- EVA supports women and their families who are, or have been, victims of domestic/sexual abuse and violence. Visit www.evawomensaid.org.uk or call 01642 490677.
- Halo Charity provides support to anyone suffering honour based violence and anyone at risk of forced marriage. Visit www.haloproject.org.uk or call 01642 683045.
- Harbour Support Services offer a range of different services to assist those affected by domestic abuse. Visit www.myharbour.org.uk or call 03000 202525.
- Foundation is a social inclusion charity that believes in empowering people to make changes in their lives. Visit www.foundationuk.org or call 0113 3030150.
- Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for Teesside is in North Ormesby Health Village but covers the whole of Teesside. Visit www.sarcteesside.co.uk or call 03333 44 8283.
- Men's Advice website is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence, in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. Visit www.mensadviceline.org.uk or call freephone 0808 801 0327 Monday to Friday.
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