A “violent bully” from Brockley who repeatedly struck a woman in the face before strangling her while a 999-call handler listened has been jailed for two years.

Ian Masterman, 55, of Endwell Road, also pulled out a clump of the victim’s hair while he subjected her to a prolonged period of abuse inside an Ashford home in February 2021.

He denied actual bodily harm and assault by beating, but was found guilty following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court November 23. He was also issued with a five-year restraining order.

The victim called 999 shortly after midnight on Sunday, February 14, when she was briefly able to get away from Masterman, who assaulted her earlier that evening.

While she was on the phone to a call handler, Masterman entered the room.

She hid her handset behind a sofa before Masterman grabbed her neck, punched her several times in the face and pulled hair from her head. He also strangled her as she lay on the floor.

Police were quickly deployed to the scene and, fearing the victim had come to serious harm, forced their way into the address.

Masterman charged at officers as they entered the property, but they were quickly able to restrain him.

Masterman was charged with both offences less than 24 hours later and officers remanded him in custody to appear at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court.

He was then released on court bail, while he awaited a future hearing, with strict conditions not to re-enter Kent.

Police Constable George Puxley, Kent Police’s investigating officer for the case, said: "Masterman is a violent bully who presents a clear danger to women.

"The victim showed exceptional bravery to report this case to us and I am pleased that we have secured this outcome for her.

"Masterman’s offending was intolerable and from the outset we took the most robust and proportionate course of action against him.

"No one should ever have to endure such abuse. I would encourage anyone affected by similar offending to report it to us – we will use every power available to us to pursue justice and ensure that they are supported throughout."

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