Salisbury man given prison sentence for assaulting woman

Nehemiah Brown, 36, of Devizes Road, was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on November 22 after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing in July.

On July 25, Wiltshire Police received a third party report of a couple having a very loud verbal argument behind houses in Devizes Road, Holbrook. The argument turned physical with Brown punching and kicking his female victim in the face. The incident was also witnessed by an off-duty police officer.

Whilst carrying out an arrest on Brown he tried to encourage his three large dogs to attack officers. Luckily, no one was injured.

Brown was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a five year restraining order.

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In a statement read to the court his victim said: "After the assault, I was confused at what had just happened and just wanted to seek refuge in order to get away from him. I initially thought I only had facial injuries, however throughout that night I was unable to sleep due to excruciating back pain.

Nehemiah Brown was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court (Image: Wiltshire Police)

"As a result, I went to A&E where it was found I had fractured two ribs in my lower back. This is from when Nehemiah kicked me in the back as I tried to escape from him after he had grabbed me by the hair and repeatedly punched me to the face."

PC Lo Bianco said: "This was a brazen and serious assault that took place in public in broad daylight. I hope this sentence sends a clear message that domestic abuse is taken seriously in Wiltshire and offenders risk going to prison.

"The restraining order gives an additional level of long-term safeguarding and ensures prevention of future offending. I'm glad we could get a great result for the victim and ensuring she can rebuild her life."

You can find more information about reporting domestic abuse, as well as support services here: Advice about domestic abuse | Wiltshire Police