CCTV footage has emerged capturing a distressing incident in which Varinder Singh, aged 28, was seen strangling his estranged wife in a Bradford shopping center car park.
The footage reveals Singh forcibly gripping the woman’s throat, rendering her semi-conscious before she fell to the ground.
The video then shows Singh pushing the victim into the backseat of his car and subsequently attempting to flee the scene in his vehicle.
However, as the victim tries to escape by running up the car park ramp, Singh turns his car around and strikes her down.
The violent episode only came to a halt when onlookers intervened, detaining Singh until the arrival of the police. At Bradford Crown Court, Singh was sentenced to six years in prison.
Recorder of Bradford Bryan Cox KC characterized the incident as serious violence within the context of a controlling and dominating relationship. The victim’s statement emphasized the lasting impact of the offense.
The victim, who remains anonymous, disclosed ongoing trauma related to the incident, including flashbacks. She expressed concerns about her safety, even in public spaces.
The court learned that Singh and the victim were married at the time but had separated. Their meeting at the shopping center was intended for divorce discussions, which initially appeared amicable but escalated when Singh seized the victim’s mobile phone.
Singh, with no prior convictions, pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, kidnap, and assault in connection with the incident. Defense counsel Ayman Khokhar cited Singh’s difficulty in handling the breakdown of the marriage.
Khokhar mentioned Singh’s desire to return to his family in India, acknowledging potential deportation due to his prison sentence.
Recorder Cox imposed a six-year jail term on Singh, along with an indefinite restraining order to prevent contact with the victim. Singh also received a six-year driving ban and was mandated to complete an extended retest.
