A man has been jailed for more than three years for a violent attack, kicking in a door and throttling a woman in her home.
Lee Woods, 31, formerly of Priory Road, Hastings, was jailed for 40 months for three offences by Judge Jeremy Gold at Hove Crown Court.
Woods pleaded guilty to assaulting Danielle Reynolds, causing her grievous bodily harm (GBH), strangling her and causing criminal damage to her bathroom door.
She was praised for her bravery by police in helping to bring Woods to justice after the “shocking” level of sustained violence that he inflicted on her during the attack.
Sussex Police said today (Tuesday 8 October): “A man has been jailed for numerous violent offences against a woman in Hastings.
“Lee Woods, 31, of no fixed address, attacked and strangled a woman in her thirties inside her address.
“Police were called to a report of a disturbance in Priory Road, off Egremont Place, on Tuesday 20 August after Woods and the woman could be heard arguing.
“Woods violently assaulted her during this exchange and strangled her in the room next to two young children before continuing the assault in front of them.
“She tried to escape to the bathroom where he kicked the door down and assaulted her.
“After trying to evade police, Woods was arrested on Saturday 24 August and charged with grievous bodily harm, intentional strangulation and criminal damage.
“He pleaded guilty to all three charges on Wednesday 28 August at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.
“On Tuesday 24 September at Hove Crown Court, Woods was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment and was handed a five-year restraining order against the woman.”
Detective Constable Kieran Morris said: “This was a horrific sustained attack of a lone female in front of two young children. The level of violence used against the victim was shocking.
“I would like to praise the woman for her bravery in making this report and throughout the course of the investigation.
“This was dealt with swiftly, with the commencement of the investigation to the date of conviction being just over 30 days, and that shows just how seriously we take cases of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.
“I would urge and encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse to come forward.
“You will be supported and we remain committed to protecting all victims of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.”
