Jail for 70-year-old Peterborough man who punched ex-wife in the head

Valerijs Hrisdoforidi, of Chelveston Way, Peterborough, launched the attack at the victim’s home on the afternoon of 27 November.

He punched her during a scuffle but she managed to run downstairs and out onto the street.

Hrisdoforidi chased her round some parked cars but the woman managed to get back inside her house and lock the doors.

He walked away but then came back and entered the house again where he pulled the woman by her hair to the floor and kicked her in the head and on her back.

The woman managed to get her phone from her pocket to call for help and, seeing this, Hrisdoforidi left.

He was arrested a short while later at his home. His ex-wife was left with bruising to her hand, scratches on her neck and swelling to her ankle.

The woman also told officers of a letter posted through her letterbox by Hrisdoforidi, in which he told her he had been watching and following her.

Hrisdoforidi admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), stalking and intimidating a witness. He was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday (6 May), where he was given one year and six months in prison.

He was also handed a restraining order, to run indefinitely, preventing him from having any contact with his ex-wife.

PC Paul Delmer, who investigated, said: “The defendant’s violent behaviour was completely inexcusable and I am pleased he has been brought to justice.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to protect victims of domestic abuse and take action against offenders.

“In addition, we take all matters of stalking and intimidation very seriously and I can only imagine the victim’s shock in this instance when she received the letter through her door.”