Judge imposes extended sentence to protect public
A man who intentionally strangled a woman from Kettering and inflicted actual bodily harm (ABH) on the same victim has been sentenced at Northampton Crown Court after admitting the offences.
Samuel Stone, of Roman Road, Titchmarsh, was given a custodial term of two years and six months and an extended licence period of two years, the court heard. Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane concluded Stone should be designated a “dangerous offender”, a classification that extends supervision in the community once a prison term is served.
- Defendant: Samuel Stone (Roman Road, Titchmarsh)
- Offences admitted: intentional strangling; ABH on the same victim
- Sentence: 2 years 6 months imprisonment
- Extended licence: 2 years
The sentence followed an earlier period of custody in relation to a separate serious assault for which Stone served 42 months. On this occasion he had already admitted the two counts at an earlier hearing and appeared before Judge Crane for sentencing on the fresh charges.
"He was ruled to be a dangerous offender by the judge."
In addition to the custodial term and extended licence, the court left on file counts of threatening to kill the victim and stealing her mobile phone. To leave charges to lie on file means they are not proceeded with at present but could be revisited if circumstances change or further proceedings become necessary.
Record of previous offending detailed
The court was told Stone has a significant criminal record. His past convictions, as reported in court, include burglary, theft, battery, possession of a bladed article and driving while disqualified. Those previous offences formed part of the material the judge considered when deciding on the dangerous offender designation and the need for extended supervision following release.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Custodial sentence | 2 years 6 months |
| Extended licence | 2 years (supervised in community) |
| Other counts | Threatening to kill; stealing mobile phone (left to lie on file) |
Local residents and community groups in Kettering will be watching how the extended licence is managed given the court’s clear concern for public protection. An extended licence requires the offender to comply with conditions in the community under close supervision; any breach can lead to recall to custody.
Community implications
The designation of a defendant as a dangerous offender is relatively uncommon and signals judicial determination that the risk posed requires continued oversight beyond the custodial element of the sentence. For people who live or work in Kettering, the ruling may provide reassurance that the court has sought to balance punishment with measures designed to reduce the risk of repeat harm.
At the same time, the case is a reminder of the prevalence of repeat offending in some individuals and the strain such behaviour places on victims, their families and local support services. Victim‑centred sources emphasise the importance of ongoing support for those affected by domestic or violent crime, and of clear communication from agencies responsible for managing offenders on release.
The court outcome will now be recorded in criminal justice systems and the practical effect for the public will depend on how the probation service and other agencies enforce licence conditions and manage any potential risk posed by Stone on his release.
Anyone with concerns about domestic abuse or violent crime in Kettering is encouraged to contact Northants Police or local support agencies for advice and assistance.
