An 18-year-old has been sentenced after being charged with strangulation, using new legislation which only became a criminal offence in June.

On Thursday, July 21, at around 420am, police were called to a report of a disturbance in Fishponds Road, Hitchin.

It was reported that a man and a woman had been engaged in a verbal altercation, which then turned physical when the man grabbed her by the neck before pushing her down to the ground.

The man then went on to cause damage to the inside of the property, as well as causing damage to several vehicles that had been parked in the street.

Police arrived at the scene and Bilal Benelbadia, of Hazlewood Crescent, London, was arrested.

He was remanded in custody and subsequently appeared at Stevenage Magistrates' Court last Tuesday (23 August), where he was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to complete a six-month alcohol treatment program, and 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR). He must also pay compensation for the criminal damage, totalling £1103.80.

Detective Constable Nathalia Smith, who led the investigation, said: "Thankfully in this incident, the victim was not seriously injured. Strangling someone, even momentarily, is incredibly dangerous and we are pleased that this is now recognised as a criminal offence – we take these offences very seriously and will use this new legislation to get justice for victims."

Previously, incidents like this would be treated as an ABH. Under the new legislation, strangulation is now recognised as a criminal offence, which carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.

Anyone who has any concerns about domestic abuse, including strangulation or suffocation, can contact the Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor service on 0300 790 6772. In an emergency, always call 999. If you are afraid or unable to speak, call 999 from a mobile and press 5, 5.