Plymouth man jailed for prolonged attack
A 36-year-old man has been jailed for a prolonged attack on a woman which included strangulation.
Jason Tooley, of Bedford Park Villas in Plymouth, was sentenced to three years in prison with a further two years to be served on extended licence at Plymouth Crown Court on Wednesday 13 March. A ten year restraining order was also put in place to protect the victim in the case.
Tooley had pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and strangulation prior to sentencing.
The court heard how on Monday 4 December 2023 Tooley met with the victim at Drake’s Reservoir in Plymouth. Tooley was intoxicated and became verbally abusive to the victim before punching her in the face.
Later that day it was agreed Tooley could visit the victim’s flat to try and patch things up but on arrival, an even more intoxicated Tooley began to attack the victim after she asked him not to bring his bike inside.
During the attack Tooley pushed the victim, bit her repeatedly and pulled hair from her head whilst shouting he was going to kill her. The attack continued in the bedroom where Tooley put a towel into her mouth and strangled the victim resulting in bruising to the neck.
Police were alerted by a concerned neighbour who overheard the incident. Tooley, who was in breach of bail conditions at the time, was arrested and taken into custody.
Domestic violence inspector for Plymouth Christopher Kinski said: “This sentence shows the commitment we have in bringing domestic violence offenders to justice.
“We would like to thank the victim in this case for the bravery she has shown in disclosing the abuse she has suffered and hopefully this sentence will allow her to be able move forward in her life.
“This investigation was supported by our partners who assist the police in supporting victims of domestic abuse and as a city we are striving for a safer city.
“I hope this sends out a clear message to the public that domestic violence will not be tolerated and offenders will be brought to justice. Also, if you are a victim of domestic violence, the police and our partners are here to help and support you and please refer to our website for our helplines.”
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