Totton abuse victim speaks out as attacker released early

Lucy Balk said she is "anxious" and doesn't feel protected after her attacker Robert Mann was released early from a 24-month prison sentence.

He was convicted of criminal damage, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation as well as breaching a suspended sentence following an incident in Eastleigh in the early hours of New Years Day.

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Having already served part of his sentence while on remand following his arrest, he was released on September 10, 40 per cent of the way through his sentence.

Lucy told the Echo: "I feel like if he actually had to serve [the full] 24 months I would think that there is a bit of justice but he is only doing 40 per cent.

"I do think for crimes where there has been violence against woman or children (early release) shouldn’t apply.

Southampton Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

"They should take into consideration what the victim is going through in situations like this.

"I just don’t think it sends a very good message to people. They should be more mindful about what that is like.

"I feel really anxious to go places on my own. I have got to look over my shoulder. It just feels like a really big slap in the face."

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Normally, prisoners would serve 50 per cent of their sentence in custody and 50 per cent on licence in the community.

In a bid to cut the prison population, the government has greenlit plans which see prisoners being released at an earlier point in their sentences.

The 33-year-old from Totton said they were in a relationship for just over four years, having met in 2019 through mutual friends and said Mann, 31, quickly became controlling.

She now suffers from PTSD and says the indefinite restraining order Mann, of Coriander Drive, Totton, was given does not go far enough. 

"I came away feeling really let down because the restraining order just says he can’t contact me, it doesn’t say he can’t come to my address.

"I just don’t feel protected. I was really upset by what had happened."

Lucy said she would urge anyone in an abusive relationship to "get out of the situation."

"I would just say even when abuse seems like a really small thing it can escalate to more so don't ignore red flags."

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to cut the proportion of the sentence inmates must serve from 50 per cent to 40 per cent. 

Estimates suggest around 5,500 offenders are expected to be released across September and October as a result.

• If you need support in Southampton to do with domestic abuse, call PIPPA Helpline on 023 8091 7917 or call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.