Violent man behind bars for string of offences

A man has been sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment after stalking a woman and assaulting her on three separate occasions.

Thomas Goldswain, 36, of Wendover Road in Staines-upon-Thames, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Monday (1 November) after pleading not guilty to three counts of actual bodily harm and stalking with fear of violence.

An investigation into Goldswain was launched after the victim came forward to police, detailing years of abuse and stalking. He violently assaulted the victim on a number of occasions and bombarded her with unwanted messages and gifts.

Goldswain was convicted of the crimes in June this year at Guildford Crown Court, but a European-wide manhunt was launched after he failed to appear for his sentencing and was thought to have fled the UK. He was later arrested in Scotland and brought back to Surrey where he will serve his sentence.

He has also been given two indefinite restraining orders.

T/Sergeant Brooker, who investigated the case, said: “Goldswain demonstrated violent, controlling and obsessive behaviour towards his victim and his imprisonment is a relief for Surrey residents and beyond.

“I would like to commend the bravery shown by the victim throughout this case and thank the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring Goldswain to justice.

“To anyone who may be a victim or may know a victim of domestic abuse – please remember that we are always here to help and listen to you, and you will always be taken seriously. Help is out there, please take the first step in talking to someone, whether that’s us or a different organisation.”

If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse, or are being threatened, intimidated or stalked by a current or previous partner or close family member, it’s likely you’re a victim of domestic abuse.

You're not to blame for what's happening. You're not alone.

You can report it to us online; https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/how-to-report-domestic-abuse/

If you’re not ready to speak to the police, you can contact support organisations who will help you; https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/