Tameside man appears in court as one of first people in UK charged under new strangulation law

A Tameside man has appeared in court after becoming one of first people in the UK to be charged under a new domestic violence strangulation law. Paul Frankiw, 37, was arrested following an incident at an address in Dukinfield.

He was charged overnight with non-fatal strangulation – a new offence under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which was introduced on Tuesday. Frankiw, of Progress Avenue, Audenshaw, was also accused of section 47 assault and harassment when he appeared at Manchester magistrates' court today (Friday).

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Chief Supt Michaela Kerr, from GMP's head of public protection, said: "This new legislation only came in earlier this week and our officers have already secured our first charge under it which is another step in our commitment to tackling domestic abuse. Allegedly strangling someone is incredibly dangerous and leaves victims fearing for their lives and we're pleased that this has now been recognised and the legislation carries a maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment.

"Even though it doesn't always leave physical marks, this doesn't detract from the serious nature of it. We are absolutely committed to investigating perpetrators and tackling violence against women and girls."