Winsford man jailed after repeatedly strangling ex-girlfriend

43-year-old Lee Horsfield has been sentenced to nearly three years behind bars

Author: Owen ArandsPublished 7th May 2024

A man from Winsford has been jailed for almost three years after he admitted assaulting his former partner.

Lee Horsfield appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 24 April where he was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison.

The 43-year-old, of Wharton Road, Winsford, had previously pleaded guilty to section 47 assault, non-fatal strangulation and breach of a restraining order.

At the sentencing, the court heard how Horsfield narrowly avoided a prison sentence in February 2023 after he admitted assaulting and intentionally strangling his then girlfriend.

Instead, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years. The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order, meaning that he was not allowed contact the victim or go near her home.

Despite the order, on Tuesday 31 October police became aware that Horsfield had contacted the victim on a number of occasions.

It was also established that he had assaulted her again, this included pinning her to the ground, causing a crush injury to her ankle, stamping on her back, dragging her around by her hair and strangling her.

It was also established that he had assaulted her again, this included stamping on her back, dragging her around by her hair and holding her around her throat.

Following the allegations, Horsfield was arrested at his home in Winsford. During interview he answered no comment to all the questions. Despite his silence, he was later charged in relation to the allegations.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Ellie Byrne, of Northwich CID:

“I welcome the sentence handed to Horsfield, and I hope that he spends his time behind bars reflecting on his actions. 
“His behaviour towards his victim was horrific, and I cannot even imagine the fear and pain that she suffered at his hands. 
“Nobody should have to experience what she has been through, but thanks to her bravery he has now been held accountable. While she may never forget what he did, I hope that this result will provide her with some closure and allow her to move forward with her life.”

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