ALISTAIR NICHOL – LEEDS

2023 – Leeds Man Jailed After Violent Domestic Abuse and Breaching Court Order

A Leeds man described by a judge as a “dangerous young individual” has been jailed after carrying out a violent attack on his former partner and repeatedly breaching a restraining order.

Alistair Nichol, of Cardigan Road, Headingley, appeared before Leeds Crown Court where details of the disturbing incident were heard.

The court was told that the pair began a relationship in 2020, but it later deteriorated into frequent arguments before escalating into physical violence.

Despite being subject to a restraining order, Nichol went to the woman’s home in Wakefield earlier this year claiming he was there to collect clothing. During the confrontation, he demanded to search her phone out of jealousy. When she refused, the situation became violent.

Nichol grabbed her by the throat with both hands and covered her mouth to stop her from screaming. As she tried to escape, he shut the door on her head before pulling her back into the property by her hair, causing her to fall and strike her head.

In a further assault, he wrapped his legs around her neck and again restricted her breathing.

Days after the attack, he sent threatening voicemails in which he stated that he “enjoyed beating her up.” He later returned to her home and refused to leave.

A victim impact statement revealed the woman became so affected by his behaviour that she was often too frightened to leave her own home.

Nichol was arrested and admitted two counts of breaching a restraining order as well as intentional strangulation.

During sentencing, the judge told him:

“You are a very dangerous individual. She was crying and desperately trying to get away from you. She was terrified, not knowing what you were capable of.”

The court also heard that strangulation is widely recognised as a particularly serious form of abuse because it is often used to exert control and dominance.

While mitigation referenced his difficult upbringing and suggested limited remorse, the judge concluded that the severity of the offences warranted immediate custody.

Nichol was sentenced to 36 months’ detention in a young offender institution.