Nottingham, England — A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison for two violent assaults against a woman while under the influence of alcohol. Andrew Gray’s most recent convictions come shortly after his release from a six-year prison term for an earlier robbery that included threatening a woman with a machete.
The Nottingham Crown Court heard that during one incident, Gray attacked the victim in her home, slamming her head against the bedroom walls and leaving her injured. He allegedly used tape to cover her wounds, refused to allow her to seek medical attention, and insisted she keep the incident a secret.
A month later, following another drinking binge, Gray engaged in a second assault. The court was told he kicked and punched the same woman repeatedly, prompting her to flee in fear. In her impact statement, she described the experience as traumatic, likening his aggression to that of the “Incredible Hulk.”
Judge Philip Head, who presided over the case, imposed a sentence of two years and nine months, emphasizing that Gray’s violent behavior is largely attributable to his alcohol abuse. He condemned Gray’s actions as a severe betrayal of the trust the victim had shown by allowing him to stay in her home after his release.
The prosecution revealed that the initial assault took place on May 30 last year, shortly after the victim returned home from a memorial service for her father. The court was informed that Gray followed her upstairs, where he initiated a violent confrontation. Following the assault, he allegedly prevented her from going to the hospital and instructed her not to reveal the cause of her injuries to anyone.
Gray, who has a history of 45 prior offenses, faces ongoing challenges with alcohol dependency, according to statements from his legal representative. Mitigating circumstances were presented in court, highlighting his need for intervention and support from his family.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Head issued a three-and-a-half-year restraining order to further protect the victim, underscoring the seriousness of Gray’s conduct. The ruling aims to ensure that the victim can start to rebuild her life in safety and security, free from the threat of further violence.