Abuser Reice Bennett Jailed After Court Slams ‘Soft’ Sentence
Reice Bennett, also known as Reice Taylor, has finally been thrown behind bars after initially dodging immediate jail time. The 28-year-old was first slapped with a two-year suspended sentence for abusing partner Eloise Bennett at their Eltham home. But on Friday (February 27), the Court of Appeal branded that sentence “unduly lenient” and cracked the whip – ordering Bennett locked up for three years.
Shocking Details of Abuse Revealed
The court was told about the horrific torment Eloise endured. Bennett repeatedly strangled her until she blacked out, battered her with a leather belt, threw beer over her, punched her face, and kicked her, leaving bruises all over her body.
“Anything could start it. One time I made chicken fajitas for dinner, that wasn’t what he wanted so he strangled me until my eyes went fuzzy and I started blacking out. I thought I was going to die,”
30-year-old Eloise told this paper. The nightmare lasted from July 2022 to February 2023, but Bennett wasn’t charged until June 2025. He pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour, assault causing actual bodily harm, threats to kill, and intentional strangulation.
Judge’s Leniency Sparks Fury
The first sentencing judge, Recorder Timothy Corner KC, gave Bennett a break citing delays in the case and Bennett’s behaviour since the abuse. He handed down a suspended sentence, avoiding immediate jail time.
“Having this matter hanging over you has clearly had a detrimental effect on you,”
the Old Bailey judge said.
“A delay is also relevant as it enables the court to see how much you have changed since the offences.”
Despite calling Bennett’s abuse a “horrific campaign,” Recorder Corner described the case as “exceptional,” justifying the leniency. But the Court of Appeal tore that ruling apart.
Victim Warns Soft Sentences Only Encourage Abuse
Eloise Bennett has fired a stark warning that paltry punishments will only fuel more domestic violence.
“Domestic abuse will increase if perpetrators can get away with such ‘lenient’ sentences,”
she said. The Court of Appeal will soon release its full judgment explaining why Recorder Corner’s sentence was far too light.
