Ashley Southgate from Maidstone, who used repeated violence against a woman he knew and caused division and isolation from her family and friends has been jailed after he was found guilty of non-fatal strangulation.
On 17 February 2024 Southgate subjected his victim to a violent assault at a residential property and strangled her multiple times. Two days later he verbally abused the woman before assaulting her again.
She then had the courage to contact the police and on 24 February 2024 Southgate, 57, was arrested at his home address.
At Maidstone Crown Court, he was found guilty of intentional strangulation, as well as common assault and on Wednesday 11 September, Southgate was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.
Detective Constable Jennifer Mitchell said:
‘Southgate subjected this woman to a terrifying and prolonged ordeal, where she was left isolated and in fear.
‘Assaults of this nature not only result in injury but also cause psychological effects on the victims that can stay with them for the rest of their lives.
‘Kent Police is committed to protecting women and girls, be that while they are out and about, or at home or work. Our officers will use every power available to them to pursue violent offenders such as Southgate and also safeguard victims from often repeated abuse.’