Following an appeal to the Royal Courts of Justice by Thames Valley Police, a man’s sentence for a horrendous attack on his former partner has been increased.
Patrick Blenman’s sentence was increased by fifty per cent at the Royal Courts of Justice today (14/7).
Blenman, aged 56, formerly of Consort Avenue, Cambridge, was previously jailed to two and a half years at Reading Crown Court on 21 April this year, but that was increased today to three years and nine months.
Following a trial in March this year, a unanimous jury found Blenman guilty of one count of assault, one count of arson and one count of false imprisonment.
The jury found Blenman not guilty of one count of making threats to kill, following a five-day trial.
In the early hours of 10 August 2021, Blenman assaulted his former partner, a woman in her thirties, at a property in Sandhurst.
Blenman then padlocked the victim inside the address before setting a fire by the front door.
The victim had no choice but to escape the property by jumping from a third-floor window.
Blenman was arrested by Thames Valley Police on the same day as the offence and he was subsequently charged.
Officer in the Case, Detective Constable Collette Adams said: “I’m delighted that Patrick Blenman’s sentence has been increased by fifty per cent at the Royal Courts of Justice today.
“This case demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will appeal sentences that we consider to be unduly lenient.
“This was a harrowing experience for the victim, who was padlocked inside a building by Blenman, before he then set fire to the front door.
“The victim had to escape the building by jumping from a third-floor window. She sustained injuries from both the assault and jumping from the window as well as psychological trauma from the incident.
“The victim has been supported by specially trained officers throughout the process.
“I would like to commend the victim for her determination and courage for reporting these offences of domestic abuse.
“Thames Valley Police is relentless in its pursuit and disruption of perpetrators of violence against women and girls. Last year we increased formal action in domestic abuse cases by 32%.
“I would encourage anyone who is in an abusive relationship or anyone who knows someone who is in an abusive relationship to contact the police. We will listen and support your throughout.”
