Isle of Wight man who strangled woman pleads guilty to new law
Police have praised the "unwavering bravery" of the victim
An Isle of Wight man has become one of the first people in the country to be convicted of new domestic abuse legislation.
Joshua Hunt grabbed a woman by the throat after leaving the Isle of Wight Festival last weekend.
The woman attempted to free herself from Hunt’s grip and he let go when he noticed a number of members of the public were around, police said.
He then strangled the woman again to the point she could not breathe, before members of the public stepped in and called the police.
26-year-old Hunt, of Petticoat Lane, Newport, pleaded guilty to non-fatal strangulation, an offence which only passed into law earlier this month.
He also admitted breaching a restraining order when he appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates.
Hunt was remanded in custody to appear at Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on August 23.
A police spokesperson said: "We could not have got this conviction without the strength of the woman who came forward and told us what Hunt did to her.
"Her unwavering bravery has allowed us to apply this new legislation."