Crime
Jail for Soham man who beat up ex-partner in violent attack
A man punched his ex-partner in the jaw, smashed her head repeatedly on the floor and put his hands around her neck, a court heard.
He also threatened her son who tried to intervene.
Andrew Bennett, of High Street, Soham, went out drinking with the woman at a beer festival and various other locations on 13 August 2021.
Andrew Bennett, of High Street, Soham, jailed for assaulting ex-partner. Police say tackling domestic abuse “is a top priority”
However, things soon turned sour and, once back at his address, things became heated.
During the argument 43-year-old Bennett punched the woman in the jaw, smashed her head repeatedly on the floor and put his hands around her neck. He also threatened her son who tried to intervene.
The woman called police and Bennett, who also had injuries, was taken to hospital as a precaution before being arrested the following day.
His victim was left with a swollen and bruised face, including a bruised eye socket and a cut to her neck.
In police interview, Bennett denied any offences and claimed the woman had inflicted injuries on herself in the past. He claimed he was also attacked by the woman’s son during the argument.
However, he was later served a postal requisition charging him with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) and threatening behaviour.
Bennett stood trial at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court last year but was found guilty of both offences and his case was committed to crown court.
At Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday (26 January) he was jailed for two years and six months in prison and a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim in any way.
PC Henry Marshall said: “Bennett’s assault left his victim incredibly frightened and shaken – and no-one should ever be made to feel that way.
“This case shows how an argument can spiral out of control, but domestic abuse is never acceptable and there is no excuse.
“I hope Bennett now reflects on his behaviour and the victim can feel some measure of comfort and closure.
“Tackling domestic abuse is a top priority and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep victims safe.”
Anyone who is suffering any form of abuse is urged to reach out for support. More information and advice can be found on the force’s dedicated web page.
