Family ‘disgusted’ after man who strangled and beat pregnant woman released early

Leah Morton (centre) was repeatedly left concussed with bruises while in an abusive relationship

A family has been left feeling ‘disgusted’ after a man who beat and strangled a pregnant woman was released today.

Leah Morton, 21, was repeatedly left concussed with bruises while in a relationship with Joseph Hartley in Bridlington from October 2025 until his arrest in March.

He continued to attack after she fell pregnant, even covering her mouth and attempting to strangle her.

Hartley was jailed for 18 months in April after he pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual gross bodily harm and assault by beating at Grimsby Crown Court.

But just five months later he was re...