Man who punched, kicked and hurled diffuser at woman before burning her face in ‘abhorrent’ attack jailed
A man, whose ‘abhorrent’ actions left a woman living in fear, has been jailed
A man has been jailed after he viciously attacked a woman by punching and kicking her before burning her face with a diffuser.
Ben Siddle, of Willow Park, Havant, has been jailed for 23 years after he punched a woman in her 20s, and kicked her while wearing steel toe cap boots when she was on the floor. He was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment, with an extension period of five years. He was also handed a restraining order and will be placed on the sex offender register indefinitely.
During the attack, which happened in Denmead, he also hurled a diffuser at her, before pouring the contents onto her face, causing it to burn. Siddle continued to bite her arm, grab her neck and send abusive messages to her.
The 27-year-old also threw her phone against her wall, which damaged her wall and fireplace, with the court hearing how he sexually assaulted the woman after the attack.
He later sent her messages asking her to retract the statement she gave to the police.
Detective Constable Gemma Hodgkinson, from Winchester CID, said: “Ben Siddle’s behaviour was abhorrent, and his actions left the victim living in fear for more than two years.
“I would like to commend the victim for coming forward to secure justice and to ensure that Siddle is off the streets and unable to treat other women this way.
“The woman was resilient and brave throughout the whole investigation, including the trial, and I hope this significant sentence allows her to try and move forward with her life.”
Siddle was charged with multiple offences that took place between August 2021 and October 2023 and was found guilty following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court.
He was convicted of:
- Assault a female 13 and over by penetration with part of body / a thing x 3
- Assault a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm x 3
- Assault by beating x 2
- Intimidate a witness / juror
- Criminal damage to property valued under £5,000
DC Hodgkinson added: “I hope this also encourages victims of similar offences to report to us and seek support. You will be believed and we will always carry out a thorough investigation to ensure offenders face the consequences of their actions.”
Anyone who has been affected by sexual assault or rape to contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.