JOSHUA WHITTAKER OF TROWBRIDGE SENTENCED TO 33 MONTHS FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AT SALISBURY CROWN COURT

A man from Trowbridge has been sentenced to 33 months in prison after admitting to assaulting his former partner. Joshua Whittaker, aged 31 and residing on Jenkins Street, was convicted on January 9 at Salisbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to charges of Non-Fatal Strangulation and Actual Bodily Harm (ABH). The court was told that on October 3, Whittaker attacked his victim at her friend's house, during which he strangled, bit, and struck her. He assaulted her again while on bail on October 20.

In a court-read statement, the victim described the ongoing impact of the abuse: "Every week I’ve been getting hit and getting black eyes. It’s affecting me and my mental health. I don’t want to take it anymore. I want it to stop. I want it to end. I want the man out of my life."

She also explained how the abuse affected her relationship with her children: "Not seeing my children due to the black eyes... I can't go and pick her up from school because of the black eyes. So I have to cancel. It’s happening too often. I’m letting my children down—they mean everything to me."

In addition to his prison term, Whittaker received a five-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim.

Investigating officer PC Hayden Baker commented on the case: "I welcome the sentencing imposed today, and it reflects the bravery and resilience of the victim. This had a profound impact on her, and the escalation in behaviour highlights the seriousness of the offences."

He added, "I thank the victim for her courage in coming forward and providing vital evidence, which helped secure this sentence. The incidents were extremely distressing and traumatic, and I hope this outcome allows her to begin to move forward."

PC Baker also issued a message of reassurance: "This demonstrates that the police will thoroughly investigate all domestic abuse cases and pursue justice for victims. We want anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Wiltshire to know you’re not alone. Report it to us, and we will support you. If you’re reluctant to contact the police, please reach out to one of our partner agencies."