'Prolific and dangerous' Edward Booth jailed for 11 years

By Ben Fitzgerald - 20 September 2019

Crime

A Swindon man has been jailed for 11 years after he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

  • Edward Booth

    Edward Booth

Edward Booth, 27, of Corfe Road, Toothill, has been standing trial at Swindon Crown Court this week.

Yesterday (Thursday 19 September), he was found guilty and sentenced to 11 years imprisonment. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and issued with a restraining order. 

Back in March this year, Booth confronted his victim, who was known to him, at her home address in Swindon. He pushed her, punched her in the face several times and then sexually assaulted her. When his victim fell to the floor, he dragged her across the room by her hair, causing an injury to her head, before cutting her arms and face with pieces of glass. His victim, despite her injuries, managed to break free and call out to a member of the public for help, who alerted police. 

On a previous occasion, Booth sexually assaulted her and caused her injury in multiple incidents including using a Taser on her, perforating her ear drum through physical abuse and many more occasions where the victim was hospitalised. 

Detective Constable Jason Walsh said: “Booth is a prolific and dangerous offender who has failed to cooperate with police on numerous occasions and continuously denied any involvement, pleading not guilty to the offences and therefore putting his victim through a trial process which would have been distressing and upsetting having to relive the ordeal he put her through in a court room.

“This investigation has been a long and complex case but our priority throughout has been securing justice for the vulnerable victim who has been abused both physically and sexually over a number of years.

“I am pleased that a jury has found Booth guilty of these despicable crimes and that the judge has recognised he is a danger to women and he will now serve a lengthy prison sentence.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the victim in this case – despite feeling terrified and threatened of Booth over many years, her bravery and courage enabled us to put this man before the courts.

“I’d like to reassure anyone who may find themselves in a similar position but is concerned about contacting police, that you will be provided with support throughout the court process and beyond.”

Your Comments

Be the first to comment on this article

Login or Register to post a comment on this article

Subscribe to The Link
Crime
Swindon child rapist jailed for 22 years

Swindon child rapist jailed for 22 years

A man has been sentenced to ...

Crime
The chase was captured on a police dashcam

Jail for man who led police on M4 chase at more than 140mph

A man who led police on ...

Crime
Swindon Police engage with businesses to help reduce crime

Swindon Police engage with businesses to help reduce crime

Police officers worked with businesses as ...

Crime
From left: Lara James-Wilkinson, Dean Tilling, PC Barreto, Councillor Jim Grant and Emma Phillips

Extra officers to support fight against town centre anti-social behaviour

Wiltshire Police has increased the number ...

Complete Building Services
Crime
Police hunting distraction burglar release image

Police hunting distraction burglar release image

Swindon Police officers investigating reports of ...

Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027, Positive Media Group, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ