Man jailed after attacking woman in her home

A 31-year-old has been jailed after breaking into an address and threatening the homeowner in the middle of the night.

Curtis Wilson, from St Werburghs, Bristol, pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, assault by causing actual bodily harm and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

Wilson, who had previously pleaded not guilty at his initial hearing on 20 April, but amended his plea to guilty on the first day of a three-day trial at Bristol Crown Court on Monday 14 September.

Wilson has been remanded into police custody and appeared back before the court yesterday (Thursday 12 November) where he was sentenced to eight years in prison, with a further three years on extended licence.

A 15-year restraining order was also granted against Wilson ordering him not to contact or speak to the victim.

The court was told how, in the early hours of Saturday 7 February this year, Wilson entered the home address of his female victim in Montpelier, Bristol, with whom he had been in a short relationship with.

After gaining entry, Wilson attacked the victim in her bedroom while she was asleep and started to strangle her. He then assaulted her, leaving her with a number of injuries including bruising to her neck, hair pulled out and bite marks and further bruising on her face.

In a statement read out at the sentencing, the victim said: “I struggle to sleep almost every night, with flashbacks keeping me awake… I don’t feel like myself anymore. The things I used to enjoy doing, I no longer enjoy.

“I have had to try to fix my life on my own. I have lost friends and family because I have changed so much as a result of the impact this has had on my life. It has changed me as a person.”

During the attack, Wilson tried to set fire to the victim’s bed and other items around the address. He then left prior to police arrival.

Officers launched a manhunt for Wilson, including circulating him as wanted on social media. He was arrested by police on 14 March after he was found hiding in the rear of a car which had been stopped by police.

His Honour Judge Euan Ambrose said Wilson’s remorse ‘arrived late in the day’ and said he was ‘extremely violent’ and a ‘significant risk to members of the public’.

Officer in the case, DC Mike Tarling, said: “Curtis Wilson carried out a terrifying attack on a woman in what should have been the safety of her own home. He subjected her to significant violence and then recklessly attempted to start fires, putting her life at even greater risk.

“I would like to commend the victim for the courage and resilience she has shown throughout this investigation and court process.

“Thanks to the efforts of officers to locate and arrest Wilson, and the strength of the evidence gathered, he has now been brought to justice and faces sentencing for his actions.

“Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls remain one of our key priorities. We hope this outcome provides the victim with some reassurance as she continues her recovery.”