MATTHEW HARRIS FROM HAMPSHIRE JAILED FOR NINE YEARS OVER BRUTAL ASSAULT IN SOUTHAMPTON

A man from Hampshire has received a nine-year prison sentence after committing a brutal assault that left a woman in life-threatening condition. Matthew Harris, 25, of Merlin Court, Bishop's Waltham, was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine during the attack, which resulted in serious injuries that could have caused her to bleed to death, Southampton Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Timothy Bradbury explained that the incident occurred in 2020. Harris initially began kissing the victim with her consent after they found themselves alone in a flat. However, as the encounter progressed, he became increasingly forceful and eventually sexually assaulted her.

Mr. Bradbury stated, "The victim was taken to hospital, where she underwent surgery. She had lost 20 percent of her circulating blood. This is a life-threatening condition that, without treatment, can lead to organ failure and ultimately death."

In a statement read aloud in court, the victim expressed the profound impact the assault had on her. She said, "There is never a moment in my life when it doesn't affect me in some way. I have cried almost every day. I have hardly slept, I have hardly eaten. I can't control my emotions anymore. I am a broken shell of my former self."

Harris, who had previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault, was described by defence lawyer Alejandra Tascon as someone who had committed the offense out of character. She acknowledged the horrific physical and psychological trauma endured by the victim and noted, "He is keen to make amends for what he has done and has asked me to apologise profusely [to the victim] for his actions."

Judge Keith Cutler remarked that Harris had become vicious and aggressive during the assault, inflicting severe injuries. The judge sentenced Harris to nine years in prison, with a life-long requirement to register as a sex offender. Additionally, Harris was issued an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.