'Possessive' Blackpool man jailed for harrowing series of sexual and physical assaults

Preston Crown Court heard how Joshua Martin Brodie, 26, battered, strangled, burnt and sexually assaulted his victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

When the woman bravely reported the attacks to the police, Brodie started a campaign of intimidation against her in a bid to force her to withdraw her complaint.

At his sentencing on Friday, November 13, the court heard how Brodie repeatedly threatened his victim and told her that he would bomb her house and send people to hurt her and her family, if she continued to seek help from police.

Brodie, of Normoss Avenue, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to a number of serious offences when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

The charges in full

Brodie pleaded guilty to the following offences:

- 1 count of sexual assault by penetration

- 1 count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour

- 3 counts of assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

- 1 count of common assault

- 1 count of intimidation of a witness or juror

He denied two other unspecified charges and these have been ordered to 'lie on file'.

The 26-year-old has been sentenced to eight years in prison, plus a further four years on extended licence after a Judge deemed him to be a dangerous offender.

DC Laura Plant, of Blackpool CID, said: "Brodie is an extremely nasty individual who not only physically and sexually assaulted the victim in this case but then also subjected her to intimidation and abuse after she bravely came forward to report what he had done.

"He demonstrated controlling, possessive behaviour as well as committing horrendous physical and mental abuse against the victim.

"He made threats to seriously harm her, leaving the woman fearing for her life.

"I am glad that the Judge recognised the seriousness of Brodie’s offending in the sentence passed down and also classed him as a dangerous offender, meaning that he will continue to be monitored once he is eventually released from prison.

"The victim in this case has shown a harrowing amount of bravery throughout this process and I would like to praise her for that.

"I hope the outcome of this case will also encourage victims of sexual and physical violence to contact police, knowing they will be listened to, believed and that Lancashire Constabulary will strive to achieve justice for them."

Anyone who has been the victim of a crime can call police on 101 or report it online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk.

You can also self-refer to the SAFE Centre, a specialist unit at Preston Royal Hospital. They offer counselling, support and help with forensic examinations. They can be contacted on 01772 523 344.

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