ANDOVER MAN SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS FOR RAPE, STRANGULATION, AND ASSAULT
A man has been sentenced to prison following a series of violent offences committed against a woman in Andover.Martin Collins, aged 46, was found guilty at Winchester Crown Court of two counts of intentional strangulation, one count of rape, and criminal damage to a tumble dryer at an address in the town.
The offences took place between 1 July and 1 August 2023.
The victim was known to Collins.
The trial began on Monday 9 June 2025, with the jury returning unanimous guilty verdicts on Friday 13 June.
Collins, of Netton Close, Bishopstone, in Wiltshire, was sentenced that same afternoon to seven years in prison.
The court also imposed a 20-year restraining order to protect the victim.
Detective Constable Elizabeth Pound, from Hampshire Police’s Amberstone team, said: “This was a horrific series of assaults, including a rape, which Collins has now been brought to justice for.
“The bravery of the woman in this case is to be commended, and it is down to her courage that a dangerous man is now in prison.” DC Pound also praised the work of PSI Samantha Nol, who supported the victim throughout the investigation and trial process.
Hampshire Police acknowledged that victims of rape, sexual assault, and domestic abuse may not always feel able to speak out straight away.
They are encouraging anyone affected to come forward.
