PORT ANGELES — A 20-year-old Port Angeles man who pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation and unlawful imprisonment has been sentenced to 14 months in prison.
Clallam County Superior Court Judge Simon Barnhart followed the prosecuting attorney’s sentencing recommendation on Sept. 17. It was at the top of the range for individuals with no prior criminal history.
Wyatt Hale and his girlfriend had been arguing on July 4 when he began punching her, according to the probable cause report submitted to the court by the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
He then grabbed her by the throat with his hand and lifted her in the air multiple times, the report said. He also covered her nose and mouth with his hands to restrict her breathing. She kicked and pried at his hands to get him off her and called 911, according to the statement.
After the assault, Hale prevented her from leaving the apartment they shared, telling her to be quiet, “or do I need to make you shut up.”
After completing his sentence, Hale must obtain substance abuse disorder and mental health evaluations and comply with any recommendations; his compliance will be monitored by the state Department of Corrections Community Custody Division.
In addition, he will be required to participate in anger management and domestic violence perpetrator classes.
Hale originally was charged in two separate cases with second-degree assault by strangulation. Both cases were considered together, and as part of that process, one of the charges was dropped.
A victim impact statement from one of the survivors that was read in court acknowledged the impact the crime had on her.
“The Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office takes the act of strangulation and domestic violence very seriously,” according to a press release. “The severity of strangulation as a form of assault is often misunderstood without proper training and education as to its effects on survivors.”
