A man who raped and strangled a woman in Andover has been jailed.

Martin Collins, aged 46, was found guilty by a jury at Winchester Crown Court of two counts of intentional strangulation and one count of rape against a woman who was known to him.

The offences took place between 1 July 2023 and 1 August 2023, and Collins was also found guilty of criminal damage to a tumble dryer at an address in Andover, which took place during this same period.

The trial began on Monday 9 June this year, with the jury returning their verdicts on Friday 13 June.

Collins, of Netton Close in Bishopstone, Wiltshire, was sentenced that same afternoon. His Honour Judge Dugdale jailed him for seven years and issued a 20 year restraining order

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.

“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.”

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.

For information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services, you can visit our dedicated web page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/