Man Jailed After Victim Escapes Through Window

A man who subjected a woman to “physical, emotional and psychological” abuse has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison and issued an eight-year restraining order. Benjamin Turner, 36, from Willow Corner, Bayford, near Hertford, threatened his victim with death, prompting her to leap from a first-floor window to escape. At Huntingdon Crown Court, he admitted to two charges of threatening to kill, along with charges of coercive and controlling behaviour, unlawful wounding, and strangulation. Police reported that they were called after Turner assaulted his victim, grabbing her around the neck and stating his intention to kill her. She fought him off, jumped from the window, and ran to a neighbour’s home for help. Officers stated that their investigation uncovered previous violent incidents occurring over several months. Turner had previously attempted to strangle his victim and had pushed her into a mirror, causing a cut to her face. He prevented her from receiving medical attention for the injury, staying with her overnight to stop her from going to hospital. Detective Constable Jordan Critchley said: “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.” Critchley added: “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.” News updates for Beds, Herts, and Bucks are accessible on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.