Wiltshire Man admits 10 domestic abuse offences

A woman was subjected to a ten-hour ordeal in which she was falsely imprisoned, strangled, sexually assaulted, and physically attacked, leaving her with serious injuries.

Tommy Hitt, 46, of Springhead, Sutton Veny, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on 26 March and pleaded guilty to ten offences, including intentional strangulation, false imprisonment, grievous bodily harm with intent, sexual assault, and threats to kill. He is due to be sentenced on 13 June.

Wiltshire Police said the attack took place on 21 February when Hitt kept the victim at his home against her will, assaulted her multiple times, and shaved her head. Detective Constable James Gatherum described the victim’s injuries as “significant and very pronounced.”

"In the late evening of 21 February, Wiltshire Police received a 999 call to an address in Shaw. A woman had presented at the door of a property with significant injuries. This was the beginning of the end of a ten-hour ordeal at the hands of Tommy Hitt," he said.

Hitt damaged the victim’s phone to prevent her from seeking help. He strangled her, fractured her eye socket, and caused severe bruising and swelling. She suffered lasting damage to both retinas and lost multiple teeth. He also sexually assaulted her twice and threatened to kill her.

Police said that after driving the victim to another location, Hitt continued to assault her inside the vehicle. She was eventually able to escape and raise the alarm.

DC Gatherum praised the victim for her courage in reporting the attack and assisting with the criminal justice process. "I would like to thank her for her incredible bravery in speaking of her traumatic experience," he said.

Hitt was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court in June.

Wiltshire Police has urged victims of domestic abuse to seek support and report incidents.

Local support agencies include Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, Swindon Paragon Integrated Domestic Abuse Services, and FearFree in Wiltshire.

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