HASTINGS MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT IN FRONT OF CHILDREN

Lee Woods, aged 31, with no fixed address, was convicted and sentenced to 40 months in prison for a series of violent offences against a woman in Hastings, during which he committed grievous bodily harm and intentional strangulation. The offence took place on 20 August when police responded to a disturbance on Priory Road, following reports of Woods and the woman arguing. Witnesses stated that Woods violently assaulted the woman, who was in her 30s, and strangled her inside her residence. The assault occurred in the presence of two young children, and Woods continued his attack in front of them. The victim attempted to escape to the bathroom but was pursued and the door was kicked down by Woods before he proceeded with the assault. After the attack, Woods tried to evade the police but was detained on 24 August. He pleaded guilty to all charges—grievous bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and criminal damage—at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 28 August. Subsequently, on 24 September, Woods was sentenced at Hove Crown Court to serve 40 months, along with a five-year restraining order preventing any contact with the victim. Detective Constable Kieran Morris described the incident as “a horrific sustained attack of a lone female in front of two young children,” emphasizing that “the level of violence used against the victim was shocking.” DC Morris praised the victim’s bravery in reporting the incident and stated that the case was dealt with “swiftly,” with proceedings from investigation to conviction taking just over 30 days, reflecting the seriousness with which domestic abuse and violence against women and girls are treated. He urged others suffering from domestic abuse to come forward for support and assured that victims will be protected.