A WOMAN whose violent partner viciously attacked and tried to rape her has won her fight to extend his time behind bars.

Mary Brewer welcomed the Court of Appeal ruling that the original two-year sentence meted out to Brian Gaff was unduly lenient and should be extended to three years.

Following Thursday's decision, 43-year-old Ms Brewer - who, earlier this year, waived her right to anonymity to speak of her disgust at the original sentence - told The Gazette: "I have proved that it can be done if you keep pushing."

She added: "It would have been nice if the extension had been a bit longer, but now other women who have been attacked and are thinking of coming forward can see that I was able to get a result."

Gaff, 52, of St Peter's Road, South Ham, was convicted in February by a jury at Winchester Crown Court of attempted rape, indecent assault and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Judge Patrick Hooton sentenced him to a total of two years' imprisonment.

With good behaviour, Gaff (pictured) was expected to be released on September 10 this year after serving half his sentence.

Ms Brewer had said she was "disgusted" and felt there was no justice.

She added: "In six months he will have freedom. I have got freedom for six months and then I have a life sentence."

However, in April, Ms Brewer was granted permission to take the case to the Court of Appeal in London.

On Thursday, three judges heard submissions from counsel for the Attorney General and for Gaff. Luke Blackburn, representing Gaff, submitted that the sentence, while lenient, was not unduly lenient.

Lord Justice Rose outlined the background to the case and referred to how Gaff had been watching coverage of the World Trade Center disaster on September 11 last year when he told friends that they would be seeing him on television within a couple of days.

He had then gone to the home he shared with Ms Brewer, dragged her upstairs by the hair and committed the offences, pulling the phone out of the wall when she tried to dial 999.

Neighbours broke down the door to rescue her after hearing her screams.

Lord Justice Rose said the court would have expected a total sentence of at least four years.

But he added: "Having regard to the double jeopardy Gaff faced and the fact that his expected release date is not too far distant, the sentence should be a total of three years."

Gaff could still be released on good behaviour after serving half his sentence.