A woman locked herself in a storage unit to hide from a violent man who viciously assaulted her in broad daylight.
Darren Rowland headbutted the victim, pulled her to the floor, hit her, and strangled her during attacks which happened at the Kings Storage Unit in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The victim managed to call the police, believing the 39-year-old had driven away from the area, but he returned minutes later.
Officers were immediately dispatched and arrested Rowland a short time later.
He claimed the victim had refused to give him the keys to his van which led to a disagreement before he assaulted her on the afternoon of 29 April 2023.
Rowland was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and assault by beating.
He was jailed for one year and four months when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (6 October 2023).
Rowland, of Cleveland Avenue, Draycott, Derbyshire, was also made subject of a three-year restraining order.
Detective Inspector Steven King, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a violent incident in a public place in full view of passers-by and with members of the public close at hand.
“This acted as no deterrent to the suspect whose violent actions were caught on CCTV.
“He placed his hands around the victim’s neck, causing her to struggle to breathe, during this nasty incident.
“The victim deserves a huge amount of credit for reporting this incident to police and I hope she can now move forward following the conclusion of this case.”
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.
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