Man jailed after biting woman’s face and strangling her

A 33-year-old man has been jailed for 40 months after admitting to assaulting a woman.

Kaine Martin, of no fixed abode, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing yesterday, Tuesday 2 June, after admitting to all charges against him at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that Martin had attacked a woman, with whom he had been in a relationship, inside a tent in Lowestoft.

During the attack, Martin banged the victim’s head against the floor of the tent multiple times and wrapped his arm across her throat to the point that she struggled to breathe.

As she tried to leave, he forced her head into the ground and attempted to take her phone to prevent her from calling for help.

A friend of the victim, who was passing nearby, heard her screaming and intervened. The victim emerged from the tent with visible injuries, including facial bruising and a bite mark on her cheek, and police were called.

The victim provided police with an audio recording of part of the incident, which she had captured on her phone.

Martin was sentenced to the following:

• False imprisonment – 28 months
• Non-fatal strangulation – 24 months (to be served concurrently)
• Assault causing actual bodily harm – three months (to be served concurrently)
• Breach of restraining order, which relates to a separate victim – six months (to be served concurrently)

The offences put him in breach of a suspended prison sentence, for which he was handed an additional custodial sentence of 12 months. This will be served consecutively, making the sentence a total of 40 months’ imprisonment.

The officer in charge of the case, DC Hannah Baggott said: “The victim in this case was subjected to a harrowing, prolonged and unprovoked attack at the hands of a man she knew, trusted and believed to be safe with.

“The level of violence Kaine Martin subjected her to demonstrates just how serious and dangerous his offending was. His actions showed a complete disregard for her safety, and a willingness to use significant and sustained violence.

“In her interview with police, the victim described that she thought she was going to die, and I would like to commend the courage and strength she has shown in coming forward and supporting this investigation.

“The unpredictable nature of Martin’s behaviour significantly increases the risk he poses, and the bravery she has shown has been vital in ensuring he is held accountable for his actions. I hope that this outcome provides some reassurance as the victim moves forward.

“Strangulation is a clear warning that violence is escalating, and I would urge anyone who is experiencing this level of abuse to seek help.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help. Victims are encouraged to contact police or the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 977 5690.

A list of support organisations can also be found here https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/

Further support and advice can be found on the Suffolk Constabulary website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/