Man jailed after assaulting two women in Winchester

A man has been jailed for four years after assaulting two women as part of a domestic incident.

Warren Patrick James Hugh, 33, o‎f Hyde Gate in Winchester, carried out the assaults at an address in Winchester on 15 May this year.

The court heard how Hugh assaulted a 24-year-old woman multiple times, including hitting her with a dumbbell, causing facial injuries and bruising.

Hugh also assaulted a 19-year-old woman, who was present at the time, as she tried to intervene. He was also sentenced for making threats to kill one of the victims.

The incident was reported to police after the 19-year-old managed to send a text messaging alerting a friend of the situation whilst Hugh was out of the room.

Hugh was subsequently arrested, and charged with grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and threats to kill on 16 May. He was then remanded in custody and has been on remand ever since.

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court on 18 October, Hugh plead not guilty to the charges but later pled guilty at Salisbury Crown Court on 19 October before the start of his trial.

He was today, 2 December, sentenced to four years in jail. He will also have to serve one year on licence.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Peter Watson said: “We take all allegations of domestic abuse seriously and work hard to provide a compassionate response to victims to ensure they are protected, and where possible bring offenders to justice.

“This was a nasty and sustained assault, and I hope this result gives the victims some closure.

“Domestic abuse is often a hidden crime with incidents taking place behind closed doors without any witnesses. It takes a lot of courage to report these incidents to us, and we want anyone who is suffering from this type of abuse to find the confidence to come forward and speak to us.”

Hampshire Constabulary is committed to tackling domestic abuse and bring perpetrators to justice. Together with our partners and local domestic abuse charities, we focus on support for victims and provide help to those leaving abusive relationships.

Anyone who is facing abuse or harm should call 999. If you’re not in a position to speak press 55 and our controllers will know what to do. We are there for you, please call us if you need us in an emergency.

There are a range of support services on offer to those who are in an abusive relationship and need help, click on this link for details:

https://www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/crime-prevention/protecting-yourself-and-others/domestic-abuse