A MAN has been charged with non-fatal strangulation in one of the first uses of new legislation aimed at combating violent domestic abuse.

Two new offences – non-fatal strangulation and non-fatal suffocation – were introduced into the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 on June 7, carrying a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

Officers were called to a violent domestic argument in Portslade at 4.30am on June 11, where a woman reported having been assaulted, including prolonged strangulation.

Jeremy Bird, of Nineham Gardens in Caterham, was arrested and charged with strangling to render unconscious/incapable of resistance with intent to commit indictable offence and criminal damage under £5,000.

The 25-year-old appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was released on bail with strict conditions, pending trial on August 17.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gillings, of Brighton and Hove’s safeguarding investigations unit, said: “The officers who responded to this incident must be commended for their proactive actions in detaining a suspect and removing him from the area to protect the victim and her family.

“Strangulation and suffocation are sadly common practice by repeat perpetrators of domestic violence and our investigative team did not hesitate to use these new charging powers.

“Going forward, they will serve as an additional tool in catching violent offenders.”

Superintendent Adele Tucknott, Sussex Police’s lead for violence against women and girls, said: “Domestic abuse has devastating, life-long effects on victims, who are often left with little or no visible marks.

“That should in no way detract from the seriousness of these offences and we understand that the impacts of domestic abuse go far beyond physical injuries.

“This new legislation gives us more power to protect victims and their families and Sussex Police will continue to do everything in its power to safeguard victims of domestic abuse and bring perpetrators to justice.”