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26 Mar 2026

Man who used non-fatal strangulation and coercive control against partner jailed

Leigh Jonathan Chipchase, 38, from Wrekenton Close in Stockton on Tees was being sentenced for one count of domestic abuse between September 12, 2022 and February 2, 2023

Man returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on 28 charges

Derry Crown Court

Reporter:

Court Reporter

11 Jun 2025 7:30 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

Derry Crown Court heard how a man with an address in County Durham in England used non-fatal strangulation and coercive control against his partner for a five month period.
Leigh Jonathan Chipchase, 38, from Wrekenton Close in Stockton on Tees was being sentenced for one count of domestic abuse between September 12, 2022 and February 2, 2023.
Passing sentence, Judge Neil Rafferty KC said: "I have no hesitation in sending those who commit domestic violence to jail".
The judge also praised the victim for having the courage to come forward.
In her personal victim statement the woman said that she still had nightmares about the events and had a problem trusting people.
The woman said she hoped by her speaking out other women would be helped.
The court was told that Chipchase moved to the North in 2022 and started a relationship with a local woman two months before he started abusing her. He was already in a relationship with another woman in England at the time.
The court heard that on one occasion some two months into their relationship, Chipchase swung a suitcase at his victim hitting her on the head. 
In another incident he grabbed her by the throat and bent her over the cooker while squeezing her around her throat.
Judge Rafferty was told that at one stage Chipchase locked the woman in a room and refused to let her use a toilet.
He also monitored her online activity in order to control her.
When the victim contacted the police they had to break a window in the back door to enter the property and then kick through the bedroom door to get to her as she was still locked in the room.
Jailing Chipchase for 16 months, Judge Rafferty also imposed a Restraining Order banning the defendant from any direct or indirect contact with the victim for five years.

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