Strangulation Charges Surge in England and Wales

Published: 23 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The number of suspects charged with strangulation and suffocation in England and Wales has dramatically increased almost sixfold since the offence was introduced under the Domestic Abuse Act in 2022. Crown Prosecution Service data revealed the new legislation has significantly strengthened courts’ sentencing powers. Previously, many cases could not be appropriately charged due to gaps in existing law, limiting penalties for serious offences.

Kate Brown, the CPS’s lead prosecutor for domestic abuse, highlighted that earlier options for prosecution often failed to reflect the severity of strangulation cases. “Previously, the act of strangulation or suffocation might have been covered by other offences, but these did not capture the seriousness accurately,” she said, emphasizing the critical shift in legal recognition. Strangulation and suffocation now carry a maximum sentence of five years, whereas prior charges often relied on common assault, with a six-month maximum sentence, unless cases escalated to grievous bodily harm or attempted murder.

Victims report that strangulation can be terrifying, with many genuinely fearing for their lives during the assault. Brown said, “It can be absolutely terrifying for victims, who may believe at that moment that they are going to die.” The CPS released data for the first time, showing charges rose from 1,483 in 2022–23 to 8,545 in 2024–25, with 2,656 recorded in the first quarter of 2025–26 alone, suggesting further increases are likely.

Regional data reflects sharp rises, with London seeing charges increase by over 550%, from 140 in 2022–23 to 919 in 2024–25. In the north-west, figures grew from 238 to 1,104, and in Yorkshire and Humberside, 989 people were charged compared with 179 three years ago. These figures underline the growing focus on addressing this form of abuse across England and Wales.

Recent high-profile convictions illustrate the seriousness with which courts are now treating strangulation. Michael Cosgrove, 46, from Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to 20 years in September after being found guilty of attempted murder and intentional strangulation. Anton Tinsdeall, 38, of Wellingborough, received four years in August for strangulation, causing actual bodily harm, and assault on a police officer. Last week, Sean Duffin, 46, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 12 years in Liverpool for rape, sexual assault, and strangulation.

Brown attributed the increase in prosecutions to both more victims coming forward and prosecutors becoming familiar with the new legislation. “The police are identifying these offences and passing them to us, and as prosecutors gain experience with the law, we are able to charge more,” she said. She also noted that strangulation often occurs alongside other offences, including coercive control, sexual abuse, and image-based abuse, which makes prosecutorial training essential.

The CPS has invested heavily in trauma-informed training this year, ensuring prosecutors can recognise and manage the complexities of domestic abuse cases. Its recently released Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy identifies strangulation as a high-harm, high-risk offence. Brown explained that a single violent act, such as strangulation, may reveal an ongoing pattern of abuse, highlighting the importance of thorough police investigation and prosecutorial assessment.

Research from the Institute for Addressing Strangulation indicates that suffocation is increasingly present in sexual relationships among young people. Brown stressed that consent is never a defence, and even with no visible injuries, the offence has significant physical and psychological consequences. “There is no safe way to suffocate, and it can leave long-lasting impacts,” she said.

The CPS encourages victims to report strangulation, emphasizing that a lack of injury will not deter prosecution. “It’s such a serious offence that we really encourage reporting, and we pursue cases where evidence exists,” Brown stated. Solicitor General Ellie Reeves reinforced this, noting that strangulation is rarely isolated, often part of sustained abuse causing long-term harm. She stressed government commitment to halving violence against women and girls, highlighting prosecutors’ role in holding offenders accountable.

Brown described strangulation as a “trigger offence” leading to further violence, representing a complete exploitation of power. “Somebody’s life is in your hands, and that can ultimately lead to murder,” she said. She urged victims to report offences and assured that prosecutors aim to uncover the full extent of ongoing abuse. Offenders are being held accountable not just for isolated acts but for the broader context of domestic violence that devastates lives.

The dramatic rise in strangulation prosecutions in England and Wales demonstrates a strengthened legal response to domestic abuse. Through training, trauma awareness, and enhanced sentencing, authorities are increasingly able to address the severity of this high-risk offence, ensuring victims are supported and offenders face justice. The legislation has marked a turning point, reflecting a societal shift in recognising the profound danger strangulation and suffocation pose in domestic abuse contexts.