SALISBURY man Nehemiah Brown has been jailed after punching and kicking a woman during a row in the street.

Brown, 36, of Devizes Road, was sentenced to 12 months behind bars when he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on November 22 after pleading guilty at a hearing in July.

The incident unfolded on July 25, when police were called to reports of a couple having a very loud verbal argument behind houses in Devizes Road, Holbrook.

The argument turned physical with Brown punching and kicking his female victim in the face. The incident was also witnessed by an off-duty police officer.

While carrying out an arrest on Brown he tried to encourage his three large dogs to attack officers. Luckily, no one was injured, police said.

As well as being jailed, Brown was also given a five-year restraining order when sentenced.

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In a statement read to the court his victim said: “After the assault, I was confused at what had just happened and just wanted to seek refuge in order to get away from him. I initially thought I only had facial injuries, however throughout that night I was unable to sleep due to excruciating back pain.

“As a result, I went to A&E where it was found I had fractured two ribs in my lower back. This is from when Nehemiah kicked me in the back as I tried to escape from him after he had grabbed me by the hair and repeatedly punched me to the face.”

PC Lo Bianco said: “This was a brazen and serious assault that took place in public in broad daylight. I hope this sentence sends a clear message that domestic abuse is taken seriously in Wiltshire and offenders risk going to prison.

“The restraining order gives an additional level of long-term safeguarding and ensures prevention of future offending. I’m glad we could get a great result for the victim and ensuring she can rebuild her life.”