'Self-styled Joker' cleared of attempted murder

An image of a Joker-themed pillow was shown to the jury

A man who was said in court to identify as fictional villain The Joker has been found not guilty of attempting to murder his on-off partner.

Anthony Yewman, 45, of Romford, Essex, was also cleared of two charges of intentionally strangling Jenny Dalton at her home in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in August 2023.

Previously, the jury at Southampton Crown Court was shown a photograph of a pillow bearing an image of the Batman villain as well as Ms Dalton's face.

The court imposed a 10-year restraining order on the defendant, naming several individuals.

Mr Yewman told police in interview that he had acted in self-defence and had not meant to hurt Ms Dalton, the court previously heard.

Prosecutors said he told officers he "retaliated after she grabbed him", adding: "I love her more than anything in the world."

The jury was also shown an image of a makeshift shelter in Ms Dalton's garden and chalk graffiti on her wall, which read: "Met my soulmate when met you."

Mr Yewman lived in the shelter for several days before he was arrested, the court heard.

Prosecutors withdrew a charge of attempting to cause GBH.