Man Locked Woman And Child In Loft

9 July 2011, 10:50 | Updated: 9 July 2011, 11:19

A Basildon man has been jailed for nine years after seriously assaulting a woman and keeping her locked in a loft with her child.

David Bell, from Brackley Crescent, was arrested back in February after officers responded to a 999 call from the mobile of a woman who was being held captive at a house in the town.

The 26-year-old pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, assault and wounding with intent and was sentenced when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Friday 8 July.

The court heard that Bell had become jealous over the woman’s friendship with another man and had assaulted her over several weeks before taking her captive.

Investigating officer DI Joel Henderson said: "This is the worst case of it’s kind that I have ever had to deal with. The woman’s injuries were absolutely appalling but she has coped with great courage and is now rebuilding her life.

"This sentence reflects the seriousness of this horrific case and I am pleased that Bell will be spending a long term in prison.”