MARTIN Collins has been jailed for seven years and has been handed a 20-year restraining order after he was found to have raped and strangled a woman in Andover.
46-year-old Collins, of Netton Close in Bishopstone near Salisbury, committed the offences between July 1, 2023 and August 1, 2023.
Collins was also found guilty of criminal damage to a tumble dryer at an address in Andover during the time of the offences.
He was found guilty by a jury at Winchester Crown Court last Friday (June 13) of two counts of intentional strangulation and one count of rape against a woman who was known to him.
DC Elizabeth Pound, from the specialist Amberstone team, said: “This was a horrific series of assaults, including a rape, which Collins has now been brought to justice for.
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“Rape can have a devastating and lifelong impact on victims, leaving them to feel trapped or afraid to seek help.
“The bravery of the woman in this case is to be commended, and it is down to her courage that a dangerous man is now in prison.
“We understand that people impacted by crimes such as rape, sexual assault or domestic violence may not always have the confidence to speak about what has happened to them right away.
“I want to encourage anyone affected to contact police on 101 where you can speak to a specialist officer in confidence, or to seek support from a specialist support service if you need it.
“I also want to thank PSI Samantha NOL, who supported the victim the whole way through the investigation, kept her updated and then went to court with and updated her at the end with me. Her part as well as mine in the case has been so valuable and important.”
For information about sexual abuse support services available and for contact details, visit www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/
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