Domestic abuser jailed after victim bravely reports series of violent attacks
Alistair Hopkinson carried out a number of serious assaults against the woman during their relationship in 2024
A man who subjected his former partner to a sustained pattern of violent abuse has been sentenced to prison after the victim came forward and detailed the attacks to police.
Alistair Hopkinson carried out a number of serious assaults against the woman during their relationship in 2024, including repeated strangulation incidents that caused her to lose consciousness.
The first reported attack took place on 29 August, when Hopkinson struck the victim in the face before gripping her throat and choking her until she blacked out.
Weeks later, on 19 September, his violence escalated further. During an argument, he allegedly forced the woman's head into a pillow, restricting her breathing and leaving her struggling for air.
The abuse continued on 18 October at an address in Nottinghamshire, where Hopkinson again strangled the victim until she lost consciousness. After regaining awareness, she was able to resist her attacker and alert authorities.
Police arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and arrested Hopkinson.
Investigators praised the victim's courage in reporting the incidents and providing evidence that helped secure multiple charges against him. These included two counts of intentional strangulation, one count of intentional suffocation, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Hopkinson, 31, of Chesterfield Road, Worksop, admitted the offences and appeared before Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on 4 June.
The court sentenced him to two and a half years in prison and imposed a restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim. The order will remain in place until further notice.
Detective Constable Ryan Coupe, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
"Alistair Hopkinson subjected this woman to a horrendous ordeal, so it is to her absolute credit she found the courage to report him to the police.
"Thanks to her bravery, not just at the time of the incidents but in the months since, we were able to build a strong case against Hopkinson that left him with no alternative but to admit what he'd done.
"We’re pleased to see he's now been sent to prison for his despicable actions, which – I'd like to emphasise once again – may not have been possible without her assistance.
"Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for this police force, so our hope is that fellow survivors will follow this woman's lead by standing up to domestic abuse and reporting it.
"Our plea to anyone going through something similar is to please tell the police. As this case hopefully shows people – we will listen, you will be supported, and we will take action."