MAN JAILED FOR THREATENING TO RAPE WOMAN IN PARK BEFORE ROBBERY
A violent robber from Oxford received a prison sentence after threatening to assault a lone woman in a park and taking her belongings.Benjamin Grossman, aged 37 and formerly residing on Kestrel Crescent in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, who is now homeless, attacked a woman at Torre Abbey Meadows in Torquay.
He assaulted her from behind, forcefully pushing her to the ground, which left her extremely frightened.
Grossman threatened to rape her unless she handed over her wallet, an iPhone, and an Apple Watch.
The woman feared for her life and is still suffering from traumatic flashbacks six months later.
The assault happened early in the morning at 3.45 am on Sunday, October 30, shortly after she finished a night out with friends.
Grossman had been hiding in a nearby shelter and ambushed her as she walked home.
The victim sustained significant bruises, and her statement underscored that the mental trauma was far worse than the physical injuries.
She now keeps her lights on overnight and avoids going out alone after dark due to fear.
Following the attack, Grossman sold her phone and watch for only £60 to strangers he encountered on the street.
He used the proceeds to buy heroin, which police found in a syringe when arresting him at 11.45 pm that evening.
He admitted to the robbery and was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison, with a four-year license extension, by Judge Stephen Climie at Exeter Crown Court.
