MAN JAILED FOR 23 YEARS AFTER DENMEAD ATTACKS AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
A man has been jailed for 23 years after he punched, kicked and sexually assaulted a woman in Denmead.Ben Siddle, 27, of Willow Park, Havant, attacked the woman, who is in her 20s, between August 2021 and October 2023.
Portsmouth Crown Court heard Siddle punched the woman and kicked her with steel-toe cap boots while she was on the floor.
He also threw a diffuser at her, poured its contents on her face, causing it to burn, bit her arm, grabbed her neck and sent her abusive messages.
Siddle also threw her phone against a wall, damaging the wall and fireplace.
The court heard he sexually assaulted the woman after the attacks and later sent her messages asking her to retract the statement she had given to police.
Siddle was found guilty following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.
He was convicted of three counts of assaulting a female aged 13 or over by penetration with part of body or a thing, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of assault by beating, intimidating a witness or juror, and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.
Siddle was jailed at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, April 17th.
He was also given a restraining order and will be placed on the sex offender register indefinitely.
Detective Constable Gemma Hodgkinson, from Winchester CID, said: "Ben Siddle's behaviour was abhorrent, and his actions left the victim living in fear for more than two years.
"I would like to commend the victim for coming forward to secure justice and to ensure that Siddle is off the streets and unable to treat other women this way.
"The woman was resilient and brave throughout the whole investigation, including the trial, and I hope this significant sentence allows her to try and move forward with her life.
"I hope this also encourages victims of similar offences to report to us and seek support.
You will be believed and we will always carry out a thorough investigation to ensure offenders face the consequences of their actions." Police said anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact them on 101 and speak to an officer in confidence.
