Man, 44, sentenced for domestic abuse

A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to one year and nine months in prison after he pleaded guilty to domestic abuse.

On the evening of March 13, 2024, Ian Trevor Francis launched an attack on his ex-partner inside an address in Kettering.

During the assault, Francis grabbed the woman around the neck and restricted her breathing before throwing her to the floor a number of times.

Thankfully she was able to escape and police were called.

As a result of Francis’ attack, the woman suffered cuts and bruises to her body but thankfully she didn’t sustain any serious physical injuries.

Francis was arrested and subsequently charged with one count of intentional strangulation and one count of assault. After pleading guilty to the offences at Northampton Crown Court on April 25, he returned to the same court on June 21, and was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison.

Lead investigator - Detective Constable Stacey Hill said: “Ian Francis inflicted a campaign of misery on this woman so I am really pleased that he has been sent to prison as a result.

“I want to thank the survivor in this case for her support of our investigation. Reporting domestic abuse is such a difficult thing to do and seeing a court process through is even harder.

“But she has done both and though nothing will take away the memories of this attack, I hope the conclusion of this case provides her with some comfort.

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority for Northamptonshire Police and we will continue working hard, not only to put people like Ian Francis behind bars, but to make people like this woman feel empowered to report this type of abuse to us.”

Love should lift you up and make you feel safe and happy.

It shouldn't make you feel anxious, fearful and controlled.

If you are suffering in a relationship, please come forward.

You deserve better.

We will believe you.

If you need our help please ring 101 or in an emergency – 999. If you would prefer to report online, you can visit www.northants.police.uk/ro.

If you have been a victim of a domestic abuse but are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965. Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you. Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.