DOMESTIC ABUSER JAILED FOR 18 YEARS
A man named Ben Fitton has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple serious crimes committed in Manchester.The court heard that Fitton, born on October 2, 1991, and originally from Glossop in Derbyshire with connections to North Wales, was found guilty of two counts of rape, non-fatal strangulation, coercive and controlling behaviour, and causing grievous bodily harm.
His conviction was secured by a jury in September 2024, and he appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday, February 14, 2025, to face sentencing.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Fitton, who has no fixed address, subjected his victim, a woman named Hannah who chose to waive her right to anonymity, to a prolonged and terrifying campaign of abuse.
The court detailed how Fitton employed a variety of manipulative and violent tactics to keep Hannah under his control, instilling constant fear and emotional distress.
According to court reports, Fitton frequently threatened Hannah and her family, accusing her of infidelity and demanding to know her every move and interaction.
His controlling behaviour extended to isolating her from friends and family, destroying her clothing, and threatening her with violence.
On one particularly severe occasion, he inflicted a significant knee injury on her, which necessitated surgical intervention.
The jury also found Fitton guilty of two counts of rape, which involved not only sexual violence but also physical and verbal abuse.
One of the most disturbing aspects of his crimes was a threat he made to pour boiling water over Hannah if she did not comply with his demands, illustrating the level of cruelty involved.
In addition to the prison sentence, Fitton was handed an extended license period of three years, reflecting the serious risk the court believes he poses to the public.
A restraining order was also issued to prevent any contact between Fitton and Hannah moving forward.
Justice has been served in this case, and Hannah’s bravery in coming forward has played a crucial role in ensuring that a dangerous offender is now behind bars.
The authorities emphasized their ongoing commitment to tackling such heinous crimes, noting that their success rate in solving rape cases has improved this year compared to the previous one.
Detectives continue to work tirelessly to secure justice for victims and to prevent further harm from offenders like Fitton.
