Leeds Man First Charged Under New West Yorkshire Strangulation Law
In a UK policing first, an 18-year-old Leeds man has been slapped with a serious charge of non-fatal strangulation following a June 9 incident in Wortley. The young offender now faces section 47 assault, marking a milestone under West Yorkshire Police’s tough new domestic abuse crackdown.
Conditional Bail and Court Dates
The accused appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on June 10, where he was granted conditional bail. He’s set to face the music again on July 20.
New Domestic Abuse Law Steps Up the Fight
This charge follows the recent introduction of a fresh offence under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which came into force nationally just last week on June 7, 2022.
Our officers have secured this charge under the new legislation introduced last week aimed at tackling domestic abuse,” DCI Sarah Lambert of Leeds District Police said.
West Yorkshire Police vow to wield their expanded powers aggressively to stamp out abuse, with a sharp focus on non-fatal strangulation.
Harsh Penalties Reflect Severity
The new law carries a maximum jail term of five years, underlining how seriously the courts treat such violent offences. Non-fatal strangulation is a chilling assault, often leaving victims traumatised far beyond the physical damage.
“We are committed to investigating domestic violence perpetrators and using this legislation to combat violence against women and girls,” added DCI Lambert.
West Yorkshire Police are clearly sending a strong message: no tolerance for those who inflict harm behind closed doors.
