Gatton man Steven Williams walks free after violently choking a woman

A woman who “was fearful of her life” while being choked in a headlock has given an emotional plea to an Ipswich court to free the man responsible.

Steven Williams, 50, faced Ipswich Court today after violently choking a woman last year.

The court heard that on May 21 2021, Williams and the woman had a verbal argument after having a few drinks, and that this escalated to violence.

Williams pulled the woman into a headlock, and she kicked her legs and scratched at him in protest.

The prosecutor Mr O’Brien said the woman did not remember how long the headlock lasted but that she had said she “was fearful of her life at the time”.

The woman reported experiencing pain in her neck, shoulder and left eye.

The court heard that police arrived at the scene and Williams complied, having quickly apologised and attempted to aid the woman with her injuries.

Steven Williams leaving Ipswich Court on May 23 2022 after receiving parole for a strangulation offence

Williams pleaded guilty to one count of strangulation in Ipswich District Court today, May 23 2022.

The woman read her statement on William’s behalf aloud in the courtroom, pleading that the magistrate give him a merciful sentence.

“He’s not a violent man, and I do not fear him,” she said.

The court heard that Williams has a history of violent offences dating back to 1998, in which he was fined for an assault occasioning bodily harm offence against a 15 year old girl that he struck during a sleepover.

Within a week of receiving bail for this most recent strangulation offence, Williams self-referred to a men‘s behavioural program in Toowoomba.

Mr O’Brien said, “the psychological report and certificate of completion from the men’s behavioural change program demonstrates that the defendant has taken real steps over a lengthy period of time.

“Not only do they speak highly of him, but they indicate that his level of insight has increased quite significantly as a consequence.”

Judge McDonnell noted that Williams had not committed any other offences since receiving bail and had taken “significant rehabilitative steps.”

The court heard that Williams has a good relationship with his 29-year-old son and support from his family, along with full-time employment as a truck driver.

Judge McDonnell sentenced him to two and a half years imprisonment and the conviction was recorded.

Due to Williams’ prospects for rehabilitation and commitment to seeking psychological aid, he was released on parole immediately, and his short time in custody was declared time served.