A Worksop man who admitted strangling and suffocating his former partner has been jailed.
Alistair Hopkinson repeatedly assaulted the woman during their relationship last year, including two incidents where she lost consciousness.
Hopkinson, 31, of Chesterfield Road, Worksop, pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation, one count of intentional suffocation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday 4 June and was jailed for two-and-a-half years.
The court heard Hopkinson punched the woman in the face on 29 August last year before grabbing her by the throat until she blacked out.
On 19 September, he grabbed her head and forced it into a pillow, leaving her struggling to breathe.
A further incident happened at a Nottinghamshire address on 18 October, when Hopkinson again strangled the woman until she passed out.
When she regained consciousness, the woman managed to fight him off and contact police. Officers arrived soon afterwards and arrested Hopkinson.
Hopkinson was also made the subject of a restraining order, which will remain in place until further order and 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 left to lie on file.
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.
“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for this police force, so our hope is that fellow survivors will follow this woman’s lead by standing up to domestic abuse and reporting it.
“Our plea to anyone going through something similar is to please tell the police. As this case hopefully shows people – we will listen, you will be supported, and we will take action.”
The following organisations offer support to survivors of domestic abuse within Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire Police is part of the Make Yourself Heard Campaign, which aims to show people how they can report an emergency when it is not safe to speak.
Dialling 55 after calling 999 takes you through to a silent call service, whereby call handlers will give you specific directions on how to report your emergency.
Support is also available via the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – run by Refuge – on 0808 2000 247 and online at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
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.
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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 abuse.
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
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
