Melksham Man Faces Nine Serious Charges in Shocking Abuse Case
A 27-year-old man from Melksham is in hot water after allegedly terrorising his girlfriend over a tense nine-day period. Joe Martin, from Lavender Close, was arrested and charged with a raft of disturbing offences. He appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court this morning, facing allegations spanning from 9 to 17 February 2026.
List of Shocking Allegations
- Assault causing actual bodily harm
- Three counts of intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Controlling and coercive behaviour, including threats to crash a car and mutilate her
- Confiscation of victim’s phone to block help
- Verbal abuse in front of friends
- Multiple assault incidents
- Two counts of common assault
- Breaching Domestic Violence Protection Notice and Order
The gravity of these charges means Martin’s case will likely be fast-tracked to Crown Court. Magistrates will decide if he stays in custody ahead of the next hearing.
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