Man sentenced for BTP's first non-fatal strangulation offence - Leicestershire

A man has been sentenced to two years and one month in prison for a non-fatal-strangulation - making it the first conviction for this offence for the British Transport Police.

Declan Jones, aged 31 of Jack Hardy Close, Syston, Leicester has been found guilty of intentional strangulation and two counts of assault by battery. He has been sentenced to two years one month in prison and ordered to pay £228 victim surcharge at Leicester Crown Court on Friday 26 August.

The court heard how on Saturday 30 July at around 9.45pm staff at Loughborough Railway Station have heard screaming and shouting. Staff saw a young woman being slapped by Jones and following immediate action by staff, one member was assaulted. The member of staff received three punches to the head and ear before Jones attempted to kick her and flee the scene.  

On review of the CCTV it was found that Jones had already committed a ferocious attack on a young woman holding her by her throat against the wall for 11 seconds until she started to lose consciousness and then dropping her. In court the judge reflected on Jones' apparent disrespect for women and his inexcusable violent nature.

Detective Constable Charlie Clarke said "This is very distressing incident for all involved, the team worked hard to bring this offender to justice and safeguard the victims from further harm.

"Following this investigation, the public are now protected from a very dangerous man. I am pleased to see the new non-fatal strangulation offence being used to its full potential by a force committed to the violence against women and girls strategy."