Clacton: Domestic abuse team charge three across weekend

A specialist team which works around the clock to tackle domestic violence in Clacton has seen charges authorised against three suspects caught across a two-day period.

Clacton’s Domestic Abuse Investigation Team has secured the arrest and charge of three suspects, with one admitting to all offences levelled against him.

Ashley Wernham, 38, of Sherwood Drive, Clacton, armed himself with a metal pole and threatened the officers who attended his home after they responded to reports he had assaulted two women.

During the incident, on Saturday 24 June, Wernham repeatedly kicked at one officer’s chest and head, kicking out at a second officer while she tried to handcuff him.

After our officers called for backup, it took seven officers to restrain Wernham and get him under control.

Thankfully no officers sustained injuries.

He admitted two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and two counts of assault by beating at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

He will be sentenced on 6 September.

Also on Saturday 24 June, Daryl Bayliss, 32, of no fixed address, was arrested after staff at a Clacton hotel called to report a domestic disturbance in one of the rooms.

Officers arrived and captured evidence on body worn video, obtaining an account from a staff member.

Bayliss was charged with assaulting an emergency worker, two counts of common assault and two counts of criminal damage.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 3 July.

On Sunday 25 June, officers with the team arrested Denny Mathew, 49, of Carnarvon Road, Clacton, over allegations he strangled and punched a victim.

He was charged with intentional strangulation, assault by beating and making threats to kill.

Appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 27 June, he was remanded in custody until a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on 25 July.

DS Thomas Vickers, of Clacton DAIT, said:

“We have a solid and consistent track record of bringing domestic abusers to justice and ensuring victims get the help they need, no matter whether they are supportive of a prosecution or not.
“But we are also committed to breaking the cycle of abuse, working with partners to prevent offending where we can.”

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