A 'despicable' thug who strangled a woman until she blacked out has been jailed. Alistair Hopkinson choked his victim to the point she lost consciousness on two separate occasions. The violent 31-year-old also forced her head into a pillow, leaving her struggling to breathe.
Details of the assaults
The first incident, on August 29 last year, saw Hopkinson punch the woman in the face. He then grabbed her by the throat until she blacked out. His violent behaviour escalated further on September 19, when he forced her head into a pillow, leaving her struggling to breathe. Almost a month later, on 18 October, Hopkinson strangled her again at a Nottinghamshire address. She passed out but managed to fight him off and raise the alarm when she regained consciousness.
Court proceedings
Hopkinson, of Chesterfield Road, Worksop, later pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation, one count of intentional suffocation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Nottingham Crown Court on June 4 and made the subject of a restraining order, which bans him from contacting the woman in any way. Further charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour against the same woman were all left to remain on file.
Police statement
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Ryan Coupe, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: 'Alistair Hopkinson subjected this woman to a horrendous ordeal, so it is to her absolute credit she found the courage to report him to the police. Thanks to her bravery, not just at the time of the incidents but in the months since, we were able to build a strong case against Hopkinson that left him with no alternative but to admit what he'd done. We’re pleased to see he's now been sent to prison for his despicable actions, which – I'd like to emphasise once again – may not have been possible without her assistance.'
