Sussex Police Hit First with New Strangulation Law
On June 7, two fresh offences – non-fatal strangulation and suffocation – were slapped onto the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Both carry a hefty maximum jail term of five years.
Jeremy Bird, 25, from Nineham Gardens, Caterham, is the first in Sussex charged under these tough new laws.
Violent Domestic Incident in Portslade
Police were scrambled to a Portslade home just before 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, following reports of a brutal domestic dispute.
Officers found a woman who’d suffered a savage assault, including prolonged strangulation.
Bird was snapped up at the scene and charged with strangling to render unconscious with intent to commit an indictable offence, plus criminal damage under £5,000.
Bail Granted Ahead of August Trial
Bird appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on June 13 and was granted bail with strict conditions. His trial is set for August 17.
New Laws Give Police More Muscle
“Domestic abuse has devastating, life-long effects on victims, who are often left with little or no visible marks,” said Superintendent Adele Tucknott, Sussex Police lead for Violence Against Women and Girls. “This should in no way diminish the gravity of these offences.”
“The new legislation strengthens our power to protect victims and their families. Sussex Police will continue to do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gillings of Brighton and Hove’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit praised the officers involved:
“They acted swiftly to detain the suspect and remove him from the area, protecting the victim and her family.”
“Strangulation and suffocation are sadly common amongst repeat domestic abusers. Our team didn’t hesitate to use the new charging powers. They will now be a vital tool in catching violent offenders.”
