Gemma Laidler, a domestic abuse survivor from Newcastle, has launched a petition calling on the Government to change the law so that courts can impose harsher sentences on those who strangle their partners. She wants politicians to view CCTV footage of the attack, captured on cameras she had installed to monitor her dogs.
Non-fatal strangulation and suffocation became a specific offence in law in 2022, carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Gemma's petition on the UK Parliament website asks for the offence to be punishable in line with attempted murder, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Petition seeks tougher sentencing
Gemma, now 41, said it is vital that judges send out the right message about how dangerous strangling someone can be. She stated: "There's not a deterrent at the moment. If the sentences were harsher it would mean more of a deterrent. Unless you have seen it or experienced it you don't know what it's like. If the courts don't send the message that it's a serious crime people will never realise. I want it to go to Parliament and I want Parliament to watch my CCTV. I want them to see the reality of what goes on behind closed doors."
Gemma has previously described how she was transformed from a strong, independent woman into a frightened victim after getting together with bullying and manipulative Ryan Grundy, from Byker, Newcastle. Around a year into the controlling relationship, Grundy became physically violent. In one incident, he strangled Gemma on her bed.
Attack captured on CCTV
The attack was captured on home CCTV, which Gemma had installed to keep an eye on her dogs, allowing others to see the reality of an offence usually committed behind closed doors and rarely witnessed.
Grundy pleaded guilty to non-fatal strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, harassment and two common assaults. In November 2024, he was sentenced to 14 months in prison but was told he would be released as he had already served his time on remand.
Campaign for future victims
Since escaping her own abuse, Gemma has devoted her life to helping other victims. She has also researched the potential consequences of non-fatal strangulation, which can include heart attacks, strokes, brain injuries and death. Gemma fears the risks are not fully understood.
"It's very very dangerous and people need to think before they do these things," she said. "Even if it's consensual it's still a crime."
If Gemma's petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be debated in Parliament. She added: "I don't want anyone not getting justice. I believe had I not had my CCTV he wouldn't have got a custodial sentence. This isn't about me anymore, it's not going to change my case, it's about the future victims and survivors getting the justice they deserve."
