NEIL PALMER'S BRUTAL ATTACK IN CORNWALL: MAN WITH ANGER ISSUES STRANGLES WIFE IN SHOCKING INCIDENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community in Cornwall, Neil Palmer, a 74-year-old man with a history of anger problems, was involved in a violent assault against his wife of 51 years. The incident unfolded within the confines of their home, where a seemingly mundane dispute over a record player escalated into a dangerous act of violence.

According to reports presented during a sentencing hearing at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, January 9, the trouble began when Palmer was struggling with his record player. His wife, attempting to assist him, was met with his sudden agitation and rising anger. An argument quickly erupted between the couple, with emotions running high. During this heated exchange, Palmer's frustration boiled over as he pushed his wife to the floor. To avoid disturbing their adult son, who has learning difficulties, the couple moved outside their residence, seeking privacy away from earshot.

It was outside that the situation took a more alarming turn. Witnesses reported hearing Palmer shouting aggressively, his voice filled with rage, while his wife’s screams of terror pierced the air. In a violent outburst, Palmer grabbed his wife by her wrap-around scarf, twisting it tightly around her neck. This act of strangulation caused her to struggle for breath, and he pushed her to the ground once more. He then mounted her, with his knees pressing into her ribs, further intensifying the assault.

A passer-by, alarmed by the commotion, approached to intervene after hearing the screams and witnessing Palmer’s aggressive shouting. Emergency services were called, and police officers arrived at the scene to arrest Palmer. During police interviews, Palmer admitted to the assault and the act of intentional strangulation, which occurred on November 13. He claimed that he had fallen on top of his wife during the incident, but also confessed to twisting her scarf around her neck in a fit of rage and placing his hands on her neck.

Palmer appeared before Truro Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating and intentional strangulation. His wife, who is now in the process of divorcing him and selling their home in Falmouth, provided a victim personal statement that was read aloud in court. She described Palmer as someone prone to sudden fits of rage, with past incidents escalating from verbal altercations to physical shoving, and now, violence. She expressed her distress, stating, “It was the worst I have seen him. I don't want him to go to prison. I want him to get the right help for his anger issues.”

The court was informed that Palmer has no previous convictions, although he did receive a caution for assaulting his wife in the past. His behavior was taken seriously by the judiciary. His Honour Judge Simon Carr sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. The judge emphasized the severity of the offense, highlighting the danger and potential lethality of strangulation, which can cause unconsciousness or death. Judge Carr remarked that Palmer’s anger management issues and loss of control have significantly impacted his wife’s life. Despite showing some remorse, Palmer demonstrated little insight into the harm caused.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Palmer was ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at addressing his anger management problems. The court’s decision underscores the importance of tackling domestic violence and ensuring offenders receive appropriate intervention to prevent future incidents.