Woodley Kidnapping: Man Jailed

14 June 2013, 16:12 | Updated: 14 June 2013, 16:20

A man who admitted kidnapping a woman from her home in Woodley at knifepoint's been jailed for four years.

Mark Withers from Grazely Road in Reading broke into the 37-year-old woman's home in Munro Avenue on Boxing Day by smashing through a patio window. 

He assaulted the 37-year-old woman and her partner before forcing the her from the house at knifepoint.

A struggle ensued and she was dragged down a number of streets before being forced into a car and driven away.

The 47-year-old was arrested 6 hours later in Bournemouth

Withers was sentenced at Reading Crown Court, after pleading guilty to one count of kidnapping on the first day of his trial on 16 May.

He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of common assault and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm during a previous hearing.

Investigating Officer Det Con Nathan Adby said: "I am pleased that justice has been done and I hope this can bring some closure to the victim and her family who have shown considerable strength and courage throughout this entire harrowing experience.

"I welcome the sentence given to Withers who has clearly shown that he is violent and dangerous individual, from  who the public need protecting."