Jail for man who strangled woman so tightly she 'saw stars'

A violent thug who strangled a woman so tightly she was ‘seeing stars’ has been jailed.

Metin Ucarcan attacked the woman twice – once on May 5 and another in the early hours of May 26.

During the latter, he punched the woman in the face outside her home in Darlington.

The 32-year-old then went inside, smashed her flat screen TV, pinned her to the wall and strangled her until she couldn’t breathe and was ‘seeing stars’.

The woman ran outside but was chased by Ucarcan, who punched her again in the face as she tried to make a phone call.

Response officers quickly arrived on scene where they arrested Ucarcan and safeguarded woman.

A police investigation was launched, and he was charged with intentional strangulation, two counts of assault, controlling or coercive behaviour, and criminal damage.

Ucarcan, of Hewitson Road, Darlington, admitted the offences and was jailed for two years and eight months at Teesside Crown Court yesterday (July 4).

He was also handed a ten-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the woman.

Detective Constable Anthony Ayre, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, led the investigation.

“Ucarcan is a violent and dangerous individual whose actions could have easily resulted in tragedy,” he said.

“Thanks to the support from our response officers who gathered evidence and safeguarded the woman at the scene, this case was able to progress quickly through the courts to bring Ucarcan to justice.

“If you are experiencing abuse, please tell us – you will be listened to, and we will believe you.

“We know it can be difficult, but we have specially trained officers who will support you every step of the way.”

To report abuse, call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help.

Local charity Harbour provides support to those experiencing domestic abuse. Call 03000 20 25 25 or visit www.myharbour.org.uk

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day. Call 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk