ANDREW WILLIAMSON'S BRUTAL ATTACK IN NORTHAMPTON LEADS TO OVER TWO YEARS IN PRISON

On the afternoon of November 4, 2023, Northamptonshire Police responded to a distressing incident reported by a woman in Northampton. The woman contacted emergency services via a 999 call, revealing that she had been subjected to a violent assault by her partner, Andrew Williamson, aged 41. The assault was severe and included multiple forms of physical violence, as well as threatening behavior that left her traumatized.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a neighbor assisting the visibly distressed woman. She recounted that Williamson had attacked her during an argument fueled by his jealousy and drug use. According to her account, Williamson had physically assaulted her by punching her repeatedly and had also pulled out a large clump of her hair, causing significant injury. The woman described the hair pulling as so severe that it was akin to a partial scalping, marking one of the most serious injuries seen by officers in their careers.

In addition to the physical assault, the woman reported that Williamson had strangled her during the incident, restricting her breathing and making her feel as if she might suffocate. He had also brandished a knife in a threatening manner, preventing her from calling for help. To further hinder her attempts to seek assistance, Williamson had stabbed her sofa and her phone, rendering her unable to contact emergency services or loved ones. The attack occurred while two young children were present in the property, adding a further layer of concern and distress to the situation.

Following the incident, Northamptonshire Police’s Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit (DAIU) launched a thorough investigation. An appeal was issued for Williamson’s arrest, and he was eventually detained in January 2024. He faced multiple charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and two counts of criminal damage. Williamson initially admitted to the assault charge but denied the other three allegations. These denials were later dismissed, and he was brought before Northampton Crown Court.

On April 11, 2024, Williamson appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the assault charge. However, he continued to deny the charges of strangulation and criminal damage, which were subsequently discharged. His sentencing took place on July 25, 2024, where he was sentenced to 27 months in prison. The court also imposed a five-year restraining order, prohibiting Williamson from contacting the victim directly or indirectly, or from attending any location associated with her. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Following the sentencing, PC Rachel Powell of the DAIU provided a statement emphasizing the severity of the attack and its impact on the victim. She described the assault as prolonged and extremely violent, noting that Williamson’s actions caused injuries that affected her both physically and emotionally. The officer highlighted the extent of her injuries, including the partial scalping caused by hair pulling, which she described as among the worst she had seen in her two decades of service. PC Powell expressed hope that Williamson’s guilty plea and subsequent imprisonment would offer some measure of relief to the victim as she continues her recovery. She also reaffirmed the police’s commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse and holding offenders accountable.

This case underscores the brutal reality of domestic violence and the importance of intervention and support for victims. The authorities continue to advocate for those suffering in abusive relationships, emphasizing that help is available and that no one should have to endure such violence alone. The report and accompanying injury images have been released with the consent of the survivor, highlighting the serious consequences of Williamson’s actions in Northampton.