A Harrietsham man who threatened to set a woman on fire and shoot a member of her family has been jailed.

Jesse Willink repeatedly punched and stamped on his victim during a prolonged ordeal in Harrietsham in April last year.

He pulled the woman by her hair and said he was going to set her alight. She managed to free herself and flee the scene, but continued to receive phone calls from her attacker, during which he stated he was going kill her after tying her up and dousing her with petrol.

In another phone call Willink also threatened to shoot and stab a relative of the victim. Officers who attended carried out a search of Willink’s Water Lane property, where they seized a container of petrol, as well as cable ties and ropes.

The 26-year-old, who was known to the victim, was arrested but initially denied any wrongdoing. At Maidstone Crown Court, Willink later pleaded guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and threats to kill.

On March 4 he was sentenced to two years and three months’ imprisonment.

PC Steven Randall, of the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: "Willink subjected this woman to what must have been a truly terrifying ordeal.

"It was a savage and brutal assault and one which left the victim genuinely fearing for her life.

"Willink has shown no indication of any remorse and I only hope the victim can take some comfort and reassurance now he has been sentenced."

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