Tonbridge man charged under new strangulation legislation

A man from Tonbridge has become one of the first suspects in Kent to be charged under the new offence of non-fatal strangulation.

James Preston was arrested on Wednesday 29 June 2022, in connection with previous allegations of multiple assaults against a woman.

Officers were able to charge Mr Preston with intentionally strangling the victim, following the creation of the new offence under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

The Act came into force on 7 June and since this date Kent Police has also had the charge authorised for a further two unrelated cases.

The offence carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, if convicted.

Remanded

Mr Preston, 33, appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 30 June.

As well as the strangulation charge he faced allegations of further offences, including three counts of assault.

He was remanded in custody, pending a future court hearing. 

Safety advice

For more information on how the force is tackling Violence Against Women and Girls and for safety advice visit our dedicated website page.