Man jailed for 23 years for ‘abhorrent’ assaults
A man has been jailed after being convicted of a string of “disgusting” crimes, including punching, kicking and sexually assaulting a woman.
Ben Siddle, 27, of Willow Park, Havant, was found guilty of a series of offenses occurring over a two-year period following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.
The court heard that the man punched and bit the woman, kicked her while she was on the ground while wearing steel-toed boots, and sent her abusive messages.
Siddle was sentenced to 23 years in prison.
He also threw a diffuser at her and spilled its contents on her face, causing her to burn.
The court heard that following the attacks, Siddle sexually assaulted the woman and later sent her messages asking her to retract her statement to police.
He was also given a restraining order and will be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Det Con Gemma Hodgkinson said: “Ben Siddle’s behavior was disgusting and his actions caused the victim to live in fear for more than two years.
“I would like to congratulate the victim for coming forward to secure justice and ensure Siddle remains off the streets and unable to treat other women in this way.
“The woman was resilient and courageous throughout the entire investigation, including the trial, and I hope this important sentence will enable her to try to move forward with her life.”
