A MAN who strangled and fractured the skull of a woman at a hotel in Bournemouth has been jailed.

Samuel James Watkins, aged 35 and of Guildford in Surrey, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court to be sentenced on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, after admitting offences of intentional strangulation, inflicting grievous bodily harm, criminal damage, taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and driving whilst disqualified.

Between Friday, October 20, and Sunday, October 22, 2023, the defendant and his victim were staying at the Royal Bath Hotel in Bath Road.

During the evening of Saturday, October 21, into the early hours of Sunday, October 22 2023, they became involved in an argument, and Watkins punched his victim a number of times to her head, as well as strangling her on two occasions.

Damage was caused to the hotel room during the incident and Watkins took his victim's car keys and drove away from the premises at around 1.45am.

He was disqualified from driving at the time of the incident.

Police and the ambulance service attended the hotel, and the victim was treated for a fracture to her skull as well as other injuries to her face and body.

Detective Constable Rhiannon House of BCP CID said: "Domestic abuse is a top priority for Dorset Police, and we are fully committed to supporting victims and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice.

"Samuel Watkins subjected his victim to a sustained and violent assault, and I want to praise her for the courage she has shown in supporting our investigation.

"I hope her bravery will help to give other victims the strength to come forward and report domestic abuse to us, in the knowledge that we will fully investigate the matter, treat victims with dignity and respect and hold offenders to account."

Samuel James Watkins received a prison sentence of three years and 11 months, with the court also imposing a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his victim for a period of six years.