‘Dangerous’ bus driver caged after strangling and kicking woman ‘like football’
An angry bus driver has been jailed after launching a vicious attack on a woman that saw him whip out a kitchen knife on her in public.
Andrew Davies kicked, strangled and punched his female victim on several occasions.
The 45-year-old also threatened her with a knife, and was labelled as “an extremely dangerous individual” by Judge Andrew Hatton at Teesside Crown Court this week.
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It was not clear why the attack was launched, but it was heard how he struck her with his fist in a late night attack, and a few days later lunged at her, forcing her to the floor before strangling her.
And another incident saw him pull a kitchen knife on her in public.
He then dragged her to the floor and “kicked her like a football,” an eyewitness said.
The bloke told the court that he “can't explain what was going on,” and appeared remorseful, Teesside Live reports.
Although the woman did not support a police investigation, officers from Durham Police pursued the case through an evidence-led prosecution due to the severity of the incident.
Their investigation resulted in Davies being charged with several offences, including assault, intentional strangulation, and possession of a bladed article.
He initially denied the offences, but later changed his plea to guilty, and will now spend five years in prison.
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Investigative Officers Heidi Weir and PC Amie Thornton, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said: “Although the victim in this case did not support a prosecution, we are pleased our investigation has resulted in Davies – a violent and dangerous man – being jailed.
“In cases such as this where victims are not supportive of an investigation, but a prosecution is in the public interest, we work extremely hard to build a watertight case that does not rely on evidence from victims to ensure offenders face the justice they deserve.
“We must also thank the brave members of the public who intervened during this incident and provided vital witness statements which have helped us to secure justice for the victim in this case.
“If you believe someone you know is suffering at the hands of an abuser, then please speak to us. We will do everything we can to protect them, support them, and keep them safe from harm.”
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