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29
Oct
Police issue plea to domestic abuse victims after Harrogate chef jailed
Police have praised the courage of a woman who was viciously assaulted by a chef in Harrogate.
David Thompson was sentenced at York Crown Court today (October 29) to three years and eight months in prison. He was also made subject of a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim.
You can read a full court report here.
Shoe marks on face
North Yorkshire Police received a 999 call in June 2024 from a concerned neighbour reporting a serious domestic incident on Kings Road.
The caller described seeing a woman hanging from a window shouting for help and in obvious distress. As the call continued, the situation appeared to escalate, with the victim heard screaming and appearing to be injured.
Members of the public went to assist and saw Thompson leave the address before police arrived. Neighbours reported seeing blood inside the property and the victim covered in blood. She immediately disclosed that she had been assaulted by Thompson.
During the assault, Thompson jumped onto a bed and stamped on the victim's head twice, leaving distinctive shoe marks on her face. He also smashed household items including a vase and stereo and used objects in the property as weapons during the attack.
The victim later told officers she genuinely believed Thompson was going to kill her.
Investigating officers gathered evidence which resulted in Thompson being charged and brought before the courts.
Speaking after Thompson, of The Square, Hillam, was sentenced, investigating officer DC Rebecca Foster said:
This was an horrific and sustained attack which left the victim with significant injuries and fearing for her life.
Domestic abuse can have a devastating and lasting impact on victims. We would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case, as well as the members of the public who intervened and contacted police when they realised something was wrong.
We welcome the sentence handed to Thompson and hope it provides the victim with some reassurance as she continues to recover from her ordeal.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please know that you are not alone and support is available. We will always take reports seriously and work to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can report it to North Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Support is also available through Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) on 03000 110 110.
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