A woman from North Somerset credits a 999 call handler with saving her life after she endured a horrific 16-minute assault by her ex-partner, James Stock. Caz Goddard managed to make a desperate call to emergency services after Stock, 40, began strangling her in her home near Weston-super-Mare in July last year.
Ms Goddard had asked Stock to leave her property following months of what she described as a coercive relationship, which began in January 2025. She recounted being knocked to the floor and strangled, before momentarily escaping to her room to dial 999. While secretly still connected to the police, Stock dragged her outside, where he repeatedly punched and kicked her.
The 999 call handler, Jasmine Cox, who was on only her second solo shift, listened to the entire terrifying ordeal unfold. Ms Cox expressed her deep concern during the call, stating she genuinely believed Ms Goddard could have been killed given the sounds of the assault. It took 16 minutes for officers to arrive at the scene, where they found Ms Goddard with injuries so severe they initially feared she was dead.
Stock, from Clevedon, was subsequently arrested and later sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempted murder at Bristol Crown Court. Mr Justice Picton, in passing sentence, highlighted Stock's deliberate intent, stating he was "doing all you could to try and take the life of Caroline Goddard." The judge noted that Stock only ceased his attack when he likely believed Ms Goddard was dead, and as police were approaching.
Ms Goddard, who runs a charity providing meals for homeless people, continues to suffer from the physical and psychological consequences of the attack a year on. She faces ongoing breathing difficulties and is awaiting surgery for a broken nose, alongside battling post-traumatic stress disorder and night terrors. The court heard that Stock had been drinking and taken cocaine on the night of the attack, contributing to his inability to control his temper during the "sustained and horrific" assault.