Domestic abusers jailed

Bedfordshire Police has continued to crack down on domestic abusers after two men were handed prison sentences.

Sean Murphy, 40, was sentenced on Friday (4 August) at Luton Crown Court after he was found guilty of breaching a restraining order and driving offences.

Between February and May this year, Murphy intentionally drove past his ex-partner numerous times at places he knew she would be, leaving her feeling uneasy.

Murphy, of Flitton Road, Bedford, was handed a two year jail term for breaching a restraining order, and a further two months for driving offence, including driving whilst disqualified. He was also handed a 10-year restraining order.

Bedfordshire Police recently secured a second prison sentence for a domestic abuser. 

Thomas Burden, 22, was sentenced on Friday 28 July after he was found guilty of intentional strangulation and common assault.

On 11 October last year he approached the victim near the Quadrant Shopping Centre in Dunstable, and became verbally aggressive, calling her several names. He hit the victim in the face several times, before strangling her for around one minute.

Burden, of Osborne Crescent, Shefford, received a sentence of two years for intentional strangulation, with an extended two years on licence. He was also handed six months for assault to run concurrently, along with a restraining order.

In June last year, non-fatal strangulation was made a specific offence as part of the government's landmark Domestic Abuse Act. The practice typically involves a perpetrator strangling or intentionally affecting their victim's ability to breathe in an attempt to control or intimidate them.

Previously it has been more difficult to secure appropriate charges for offences involving strangulation as the level of injuries are not always visible. Since the legislation change, the force has charged 78 people with these offences.

Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown, who is the force's new Head of Crime and Public Protection Unit, said: "Domestic abuse and violence in any form is unacceptable, and we are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice.

"In Bedfordshire we have a dedicated team, with specialist officers working alongside our partners, who will work with victims every step of the way. We remain dedicated to making our county a hostile place for perpetrators.

"We know that people are living with abuse and in fear and we want to help provide them with the confidence for people to walk away. Whether you are experiencing abuse yourself, or you are worried for someone you know, there is always help available.

"If someone is making you feel unsafe in your own home, we can help. It is never too late to report or come forward."