An abusive man assaulted a woman and stopped her from leaving a flat.

George Barry Leonard Ashley, 36, forced his way into the victim’s home in Wyndham Court, Southampton, on February 23.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday how he assaulted her and kept her in the flat until she was able to contact someone.

Prior to the court hearing, the victim said: “Something needs to be done about his (Ashley’s) behaviour – it has made me feel unsafe.”

Ashley, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to assaulting a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm, using violence to secure entry to premises, and criminal damage to the door at the victim’s address.

Detective Constable Jodi Bartlett said: “The victim showed great courage in supporting a prosecution and continuing to work with police and CPS to get a good and justified result against a domestic abuser.

“I am extremely grateful for the evidence she provided, and I hope seeing Ashley put behind bars will bring the victim some form of closure.”

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For other victims who are still yet to report incidents to us, DC Bartlett said: “No one – whether that be a woman, a man or a child – should ever be subjected to domestic abuse within an environment that they perceive to be a safe space.

“Experience tells us that victim-survivors have likely suffered at the hands of their abusers for a sustained period of time, and sadly that abuse can take many forms - whether that be physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse."

Ashley was jailed for a total of 20 weeks for the incident.

If you are being abused, or you know someone that is, police said call 101 and report it, or make a report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.

If it is an emergency, dial 999 immediately.