Woman allegedly punched, strangled into unconsciousness in Hilltops

CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to domestic violence.

Police accused a man of strangling a woman into unconsciousness in NSW’s Hilltops region during a statewide operation that targeted domestic violence.

Officers were called to a home on Binalong Street in Young over reports of a domestic dispute at about 1:30 am on Saturday (22 February), a NSW Police spokesperson said.

They were told a man allegedly punched a woman several times before strangling her until she lost consciousness.

After they started making inquiries, a 40-year-old man went to Young Police Station where he was arrested and handed charges of domestic violence-related choking and assault.

He faced Parramatta Local Court on Sunday (23 February) where he was granted bail to appear at Young Local Court on 4 March.

The arrest was part of Operation Amarok IX, which ran from 19 to 22 February and involved officers from all police area commands and police districts across NSW.

The operation, which targeted domestic and family violence, resulted in police arresting more than 550 people and laying more than 1160 charges.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the operation was a clear example of the police force’s commitment to addressing domestic and family violence, especially in regional areas.

“Operation Amarok demonstrates the dedication of police in tackling domestic and family violence and sends a strong message that this sickening behaviour will never be tolerated,” she said.

“Those who choose to commit these violent acts should be prepared for a knock on their door and to face the consequences – because the police will stop at nothing to hold perpetrators to account.

“Last year alone, police received almost 150,000 calls for help for domestic and family violence-related matters; this shows the gravity of the situation and the extensive police resources required to combat it.”

Domestic and Family Violence Corporate Sponsor, Assistant Commissioner Peter Mckenna, said the strategy behind Operation Amarok was working.

“Amarok elevates our focus on those high-risk offenders who pose a significant threat to victims, family members, and other members of the community,” he said.

“NSW Police remains committed to tackling domestic and family violence offenders across the state and the operation results speak for themselves.

“While police will continue the tactics employed by our high-risk offender teams to target these people and support victims, we all have a part to play in stopping this senseless crime.”

In November 2024, police arrested a man in Queanbeyan and handed him firearm and traffic charges during Operation Amarok VIII.

If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732 or by visiting www.1800respect.org.au. Help and support are also available through Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call triple zero.