A violent man stubbed out a cigarette on a woman’s head and bit her as part of a series of violent attacks.
John Chittock subjected the woman to a ‘catalogue of violence’ – assaulting her multiple times between March and June 2022.
One particularly distressing incident on 28 June saw the 38-year-old grab the woman by the throat and strangle her before then biting her cheek and nose.
Chittock also carried on verbally abusing the woman as he pinned her down, saying:
“I don’t care if you are a man or a woman, I will still hurt you all the same.”
This was just one example of the frightening ordeal the woman was subjected to by Chittock, of Vaughan Avenue, Doncaster, at her home in Nottinghamshire.
On 17 June, during one drunken assault, he stubbed a lit cigarette out on the side of her head, causing burns to her skin and hair, and also forcefully smeared Sudocrem all over her face in an attempt to humiliate her.
Most of Chittock’s attacks were fuelled by alcohol and saw him cause damage to the woman’s property multiple times – smashing a gaming console over his own head on one occasion.
He also caused further damage to property during a final incident in the early hours of 29 June, in which he confronted and assaulted members of the woman’s family, before they called the police and he was arrested.
Having pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation, eight counts of assault by beating, five counts of criminal damage and a further count of sending malicious communications, Chittock attended Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on 1 December.
Ahead of sentencing, a victim impact statement was read in court, which saw the woman describe how Chittock had become “almost demonic as his drinking became more extensive.”
She also added how the ordeal had left her “a shell of the person she was before.”
Passing sentence, Judge Steven Coupland added: “You subjected this woman to a catalogue of violence and intimidation. She suffered severe anxiety and depression because of what you did.
“On multiple occasions, you lost your temper while in drink. There was no provocation and no reason for you to act in the violent way you did.”
Chittock was sentenced to three years in prison and was also handed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from seeing or contacting the woman.
PC Jordan Vilums, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I hope now Chittock has been locked up this woman is now able to move on from the violent and terrifying ordeal she was put through.
“She deserves a huge amount of credit for reporting this incident to police and I hope her brave actions encourage anyone else who has been affected by domestic abuse to contact us, either directly or indirectly, so that we can protect them.
“As a force we treat domestic abuse extremely seriously and will respond swiftly and robustly to reports made to us.
“I want to reassure anyone who is suffering domestic abuse that Nottinghamshire Police is here to help and support you – you are not alone.
“If you are in danger, please call 999 and we will come to your aid.”
The following organisations offer support to survivors of domestic abuse within Nottinghamshire.
To report domestic abuse to Nottinghamshire Police, please call the 101 non-emergency number or, in an emergency, always call 999.
Police Silent Solution: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/research-learning/Silent_solution_guide.pdf
For more information about Domestic Abuse please read this supporting survivors of domestic abuse page.
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid website
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid provides an extensive range of services for women, young people and children.
Newark Women’s Aid provides safe accommodation, with associated support services, for women with or without children, who are living with or have experienced any form of physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic abuse. Tel: 01636 679687
The UK’s only registered charity arranging Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders & Occupation Orders
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse.
It offers emotional support, practical advice and information on a wide range of services for further help and support.
Juno’s 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline offers support to women, teenage girls and children who have been affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
Tel: 0808 800 0340
Email: enquiries@junowomensaid.org.uk
Deaf and hearing-impaired women can access the Helpline by:
Text Relay/NGT: 18001 0808 800 0340 24 hours a day
Email: helpline@junowomensaid.org.uk daily, 9am – 9pm
Equation: Domestic abuse support for men
Equation provide a free helpline for men which is available Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
A 24/7 confidential answerphone service is also available.
Call: 0115 960 5556
Email: helpline@equation.org.uk
Nottinghamshire Alliance Against Violence
Make a stand against violence. ‘Like’ our Alliance Against Violence Facebook page
Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Service website
NIDAS is a registered charity, formerly known as Mansfield and Ashfield Women’s Aid.
Its aim is to help people experiencing domestic abuse.
They work hard with other agencies to raise awareness of domestic abus
Karma Nirvana is a registered charity that supports victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
A free to download app providing support and information to those affected by Domestic Abuse, available in 5 languages, has a unique directory of support services and links of further resources including a journal which you can record incidents.
Safeguarding people- a simple shake or tap activates Hollie guard, immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile phones.
Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP)
BWP are here to help women living in the Borough of Broxtowe who are experiencing domestic abuse.We provide a confidential helpline, outreach service, training courses and drop in sessions, all aimed at empowering women and to help them survive domestic abuse.
Find out more about our services below.
Call us if you need our help on 01773 719 111 or email enquiries@broxtowewp.org
