Andrew Weeks, 61, sentenced to two years’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court after Padworth assault

A man has been jailed for two years after he strangled a woman with a phone cable and told her he was going to kill her.

Andrew Weeks, aged 61, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a knuckleduster in a hearing at Reading Crown Court on April 24 last year.

Weeks was also found guilty of one count each of intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Friday, February 23, after losing an appeal against his conviction on October 27 last year.

Weeks was also made subject to a five-year restraining order.

On October 27, 2022, at an address in Padworth, Weeks assaulted the victim.

He became physically aggressive, strangled her and made threats, telling her that he was going to kill her.

Weeks then started to slap and punch the victim in the face and pulled a phone from the wall, and used the phone cable to strangle the victim again.

The victim, a woman in her sixties, suffered injuries to her face as well as bruising, scratches and ligature marks to her face and neck.

Weeks was arrested on the same day and he was charged on January 9 last year.

Police staff investigator Colin Squibb, of West Berkshire’s domestic abuse investigation unit, said: “The sentence reflects the seriousness of the violent and extremely dangerous assault perpetrated against the victim who was punched and strangled at home in an unprovoked attack.

“When the victim attempted to phone for help, Andrew Weeks tore the landline cable from the wall and used the telephone cord as a ligature around her neck.

“He made off from the scene and was arrested soon after by officers nearby after being found wandering in the road by passers-by.

“I commend the assistance of the public and in particular the courage of the victim in this appalling case of domestic abuse and violence.

“I am pleased that Weeks has been sentenced and I hope the result demonstrates that domestic violence will not be tolerated at any level and Thames Valley Police will always look to bring offenders to justice.”