A MAN WHO HEADBUTTED A WOMAN IN THE FACE AND GRABBED HER BY THE THROAT HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS WITH THREE YEARS ON EXTENDED LICENCE
A 42-year-old man named Karl Prior assaulted a woman on three occasions between October and November 2025 in Middlesbrough.During one attack, he bit the victim’s fingers to force her to hand over money and also grabbed her by the throat.
He further headbutted her as she attempted to retrieve the money.
In a separate incident, Prior hit her on the head with a stick and once poured a drink over her while she was in her vehicle.
Following an investigation, Prior was arrested and faced charges including robbery, intentional strangulation, and two counts of assault by beating.
He denied the charges initially, but the jury found him guilty of all four offenses.
On July 7, he appeared at Teesside Crown Court and was sentenced to five years in prison, with a further three years under extended licence.
A restraining order was also implemented to protect the victim.
Detective Constable James Smith commented: “The repeated assaults by Prior surely caused the victim considerable fear and trauma.
I’m pleased he has been convicted on all counts.
“This case should give victims confidence that we will act against those who cause harm.
We have dedicated officers ready to assist victims during investigations and court proceedings.
“Anyone wishing to report an incident can do so at any time via the police’s 101 contact number or through our website.”