The neighbour had offered the victim refuge when she also ended up being attacked by the man
Hull Crown Court(Image: Katie Pugh)
A good neighbour came to the rescue of a woman in a domestic row between a couple that led to her being suddenly strangled. She feared for her life during the confrontation, a court heard. Joe Metcalf, 38, of Nostell Way, Bridlington, admitted the intentional strangulation of the woman on August 8, 2024.
The case was heard during a sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court following his guilty plea at an earlier hearing. Jane Rapin, prosecuting, said that a neighbour of the woman offered refuge to her after she fled there.
Metcalf later barged past the neighbour and pushed a door open in order to grab at the woman. She was held by the throat for a moment.
The prosecution case was that he squeezed tightly, causing her to struggle to breathe, and she feared for her life. * “It was a short fleeting incident,” said Miss Rapin.
Molly Minter, mitigating, said that Metcalf had “moved on” and the incident was nearly two years ago. She submitted a letter from Metcalf to the judge on his behalf.
Judge John Thackray KC said that there had been an argument which ended with a “short fleeting incident.” He said that Metcalf had written an impressive letter.
The judge added that the probation service had said that Metcalf’s risk could be managed in the community. Metcalf was given a 14-month suspended prison sentence, with 25 days’ rehabilitation and a six-month alcohol treatment programme.
He was given a five-year restraining order, including having to stay away from an address in Bridlington.
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