STEPHEN WHITTINGHAM OF GRIMSBY SENTENCED FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMAN IN HULL

A man from Grimsby, Stephen Whittingham, was sentenced after a pattern of jealousy, violence, and intimidation towards a woman he met online. The 41-year-old painter and decorator, who is known for being hardworking and had previous convictions, attacked the woman physically and emotionally, culminating in a 22-month prison term and a restraining order.

The woman, from the Hull area, recounted that her relationship with Whittingham began after they started communicating through Facebook Dating, exchanging messages over several months before meeting in person. Initially, they got along well, and Whittingham was respectful, even staying over at her home in Hull, which helped build trust.

However, her suspicion grew when she visited him at his home in Grimsby, where he lived with his mother. Prosecutor Oliver Shipley explained, "He was aggressive and would often shout at his mother. His jealousy of other men became evident. This often led to bitter arguments and outbursts of anger from the defendant."

One notable incident occurred during a birthday celebration at a pub, where Whittingham told the woman she was not permitted to speak to other men. This argument escalated upon returning home, with Whittingham strangling her with one hand until she struggled to breathe and causing bruising, an act for which he was convicted of intentional strangulation.

Another incident involved insults at a pub, followed by Whittingham hitting her with an open palm, resulting in a nose bleed and bruising. During this event, she had to barricade herself in her room with a chest of drawers.

The violence did not end there; following a further altercation, Whittingham sent threatening messages and voice notes, one warning her not to return or he would kill her. The woman reported these threats to police, and Whittingham was detained at his residence in Grimsby.

Despite showing police photographs of her injuries, Whittingham denied any wrongdoing. He has a criminal record with five prior convictions, including affray and assault to resist arrest in 2006, and a caution for criminal damage in 2021.

In court, Recorder Richard Wright KC commented on the nature of the relationship and Whittingham’s behavior, stating, "It was a good start, but her perception changed quickly due to your jealousy and anger, often fueled by alcohol." The judge emphasized the seriousness of the strangulation, warning men about the potential for fatal injury when applying pressure to a woman’s throat.

Whittingham was sentenced to 22 months in prison and received an indefinite restraining order to protect the woman from further contact.