A man has been jailed for a terrifying attack on a woman who locked herself in a bathroom in a bid to escape his violence. 

Gavin Day, 51, from Billingham subjected the victim to various forms of physical violence and threatened her with ammonia during the incident on September 16 2023.

The victim locked herself in the bathroom out of fear but Day, armed with a knife, forced his way in and proceeded to strangle her.

Day further assaulted the victim causing further injuries to her fingers with the knife as well as bruising to her body.

The victim reported the incident to Cleveland Police’s Response officers and an investigation was launched by the Domestic Abuse Unit.The Northern Echo:

Officers arrested and subsequently charged Day with causing grievous bodily harm, causing actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

Day denied the offences but following a trial which started on Monday 18th March, he was found guilty of all three charges.

On Thursday (April 11), Day appeared at Teesside Crown Court where the judge handed him a five-and-a-half-year sentence as well as an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.

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The Northern Echo:

DC Ryder of the Domestic Abuse Unit said: “This was a terrifying incident that left the victim fearful for her life. Day violently attacked the victim causing numerous injuries to her body.

“I’d like to thank the victim for her bravery in reporting what had happened to her and the incredible strength she has shown throughout this whole process.

“I would urge any victims who have suffered domestic abuse in any form to come forward and report it to Cleveland Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”