Three and a half years jail for ABH, strangulation and malicious wounding

Saul Walker, also known as Jake Walker, had split from his then girlfriend the day before he went to her home in the early hours of a Sunday morning in February 2024, in the village of Holten Le Clay, East Lindsey. 

He smashed the front door and entered the house, pulled his ex-girlfriend to the floor who scrambled to her feet and fled the house to call for help from neighbours. 

As she left, she saw Walker pull out a black case from his trousers and saw that he had a machete.  As she ran, she then heard noises of pain coming from a friend who was still in the house at the time. 

Walker fled the scene and an intense media campaign ensued to locate him.

Yesterday, Monday 4 November, Saul Walker, 22, of no fixed address in Humberside, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court charged with:

• Actual bodily harm of a 21-year-old woman
• Intentional Strangulation of a 21-year-old woman
• Unlawful and malicious wounding of a 21-year-old man

After he was arrested, an investigation began where evidence emerged around his behaviour which demonstrated that Walker’s ex-girlfriend had been subjected to a string of domestic violence and coercive incidents. 

The unquestionable bravery of Walker’s ex-girlfriend provided vital evidence to charge Walker who was, on Monday 4 November, sentenced to 10 months for actual bodily harm, 12 months for intentional strangulation and 20 months for unlawful and malicious wounding, all to run consecutively.

The officer in charge of the case, DS Kate Woods said “This violent and coercive man has been sentenced thanks to the incredible bravery demonstrated by his ex-partner.  Nobody should be subjected to such behaviour, and we will do everything in our power to bring perpetrators of harmful and coercive behaviour before the courts.”

Pictured: Saul (Jake) Walker

Where to get help

If you or your children are in immediate danger you should always call 999.

You can also access help from specialist domestic abuse services: 

Lincolnshire's Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS)helping all women, men and children experiencing domestic abuse. 

The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a 24hr Freephone available on 0808 2000 247 operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

SafeLives offer advice for victims and professionals. 

Galop – the national LGBT+ anti-violence charity are available on 0800 999 5428. 

If you are a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, tell someone you trust, like a teacher. You can also call Childline on 0800 1111.  

The Men's Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse and can be reached on 0808 8010327. 

Safe spaces are available in UK pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and many independent pharmacies. Go to the healthcare counter and ask to use the safe space where you can access support.

If you are worried about your own behaviour  

There is no excuse for abuse. If you are abusive, get help. Call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040 or use webchat on the Respect website