Colchester, England — A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to 43 months in prison for assaulting and strangling a woman, highlighting the ongoing issues of domestic violence in the region. Daniel Baptiste, of Mendip Close in Sydenham, was found guilty of non-fatal strangulation and assault after a harrowing incident that occurred in April 2025.
During the attack, Baptiste reportedly grabbed the woman, who is in her 40s, by the neck and lifted her off the ground, obstructing her ability to breathe temporarily. Following the assault, the victim bravely contacted authorities, prompting an investigation led by the Public Protection Investigation and Domestic Abuse Investigation teams.
In the weeks following the incident, the victim gathered the courage to provide a detailed statement, revealing additional concerning behaviors exhibited by Baptiste. As law enforcement worked to bring him to justice, he was apprehended upon returning to the UK from abroad.
Baptiste’s legal troubles intensified when he pleaded guilty to the charges stemming from the April incident, which was compounded by an earlier, unrelated case. On December 17, he received a sentence of 25 months for his recent conviction, with an additional 18 months added due to the activation of a suspended sentence from a previous matter.
In total, Baptiste is set to serve 43 months behind bars, and a restraining order has been put in place for seven years to protect the victim from further harm.
The victim expressed her gratitude towards the police and the Crown Prosecution Service for their unwavering support throughout the process. “Their belief in me and the assistance they provided helped me realize the abuse I suffered,” she said. “I hope that my willingness to speak out will prevent other women from experiencing similar situations.”
Detective Jade Gwillim, one of the officers involved in the investigation, praised the victim’s courage and resilience. “Her strength and cooperation played a crucial role in achieving this outcome,” Gwillim stated. “This case serves as a reminder of our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls in Essex. Our work in this area continues diligently.”
The sentencing reinforces the message that violent behavior towards women will not be tolerated, as authorities seek to address the pervasive issue of domestic violence within communities.