East Herts man jailed for offences against woman

An East Herts man has been jailed for more than three years and handed an eight-year restraining order after admitting a string of violent offences against a woman.

Ben Turner, 38, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill, coercive and controlling behaviour, assault causing grievous bodily harm and strangulation.

Police were called earlier this year after Turner assaulted his victim and grabbed her round the neck, telling her he was going to kill her. She fought off Turner and jumped from a first-floor window to escape before running to a neighbour’s home to get help.

Officers investigated further and uncovered previous violent incidents over a period of months.

Turner had tried to strangle her once before and pushed her into a mirror, causing a cut to her face. He prevented her from getting medical attention for the injury, staying with her overnight to stop her going to hospital. She was too terrified of him to contact police.

Turner, formerly of Willow Corner, Bayford, near Hertford, was sentenced at Huntingdon Crown Court on 23 October to 39 months’ imprisonment.

He was also given a restraining order banning him from contacting the victim or going to an address in Stanstead Abbotts for eight years.

Detective Constable Jordan Critchley from the East Herts Local Crime Unit said: “Turner subjected the woman to physical, emotional and psychological abuse over several months.

“He threatened to kill her and I believe had she not escaped from his clutches on that day, that he may well have followed through with that threat.

“I would like to thank the victim for her bravery. Her actions have led to a dangerous man being put behind bars. I hope she can now recover from this ordeal and move on with her life.”

If you or someone you know in Hertfordshire is experiencing abuse of any sort, information and access to support is available at Herts sunflower.  In an emergency always call 999.