Domestic abuser jailed for 18 years, as victim speaks out about her experience

An abhorrent man who subjected a victim to years of abuse has been jailed for 18 years, with an additional three years on extended license due to the significant risk the judge deemed he posed, following his appearance at Manchester Crown Court today (Friday 14 February 2025). He was also issued a restraining order. 

This result comes as we continue to transform the way we investigate offences such as rape under the nationally led Op Soteria Bluestone.

Ben Fitton (02/10/1991) of no fixed abode, but originally from Glossop in Derbyshire and with links to North Wales, was found guilty of two counts of rape, non-fatal strangulation, coercive and controlling behaviour and causing grievous bodily harm by a jury in September 2024.

Fitton employed several different tactics to ensure that the victim in this case, who has been named as Hannah and has chosen to waive her anonymity, remained trapped and in constant fear.

The court heard how he regularly threatened Hannah and her family, accusing her of being unfaithful on many occasions or wanting to know her every movement and interaction. He isolated her, destroyed her clothes, threatened her with violence and on one occasion left her with a significant knee injury which required surgery.

The jury also found him guilty of two counts of rape, both which subjected Hannah to not only unspeakable levels of sexual violence, but also verbal and physical violence. On one occasion, Fitton threatened to pour boiling water over her if she didn’t comply with his demands. 

What Hannah has been through is nothing short of shocking and cruel, and through her bravery, a dangerous abuser will spend a significant number of years behind bars for his crimes.

Whilst we understand there is more to do, our solved outcomes for rape cases have continually been higher this year compared to last, and detectives across the force remain dedicated to getting justice for victims.

Detective Constable Russ Clarke of Rochdale CID said, “Hannah has shown incredible levels of resilience and bravery. What she had to endure at the hands of Ben Fitton, nobody should have to go through.

“One of the main motivations behind her coming forward was the hope that she could prevent Fitton from subjecting other women to the same treatment in the future. This is a testament to her bravery, particularly when she had been threatened repeatedly if she ever spoke out.

“Consumed by jealousy, paranoia, and anger, Fitton subjected Hannah to a sustained campaign of sexual, physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Our investigation uncovered thousands of messages and audio recordings which provided a vivid window into what was going on over a two-year period. The levels of abuse, and controlling and coercive behaviour in this case are the worst I have ever seen in my time at GMP.

“Fitton showed no remorse throughout this investigation; he continued to lie and cast aspersions on Hannah's character, all of which were untrue, as she had to relive what she’d been subjected to throughout the court process. He has taken no responsibility for his actions and behaviours. 

“Having crossed paths with Ben Fitton, Hannah's life changed beyond recognition. I now hope, with the help of her supportive family, she can rebuild herself, her life and look forward to her future.

“I understand how tough it can be to come forward in situations like this one, but I would encourage any victim who is currently suffering in silence to come forward to us so we can act. There are also several local and national support services which are there to help, whether you have reported to us or not.”

At the sentencing hearing, Hannah's experience was heard in a victim impact statement. Here are some of the things she had to say about what she had been through:

“Everything I had worked for, being a good mother, being strong and independent and building friendship groups and good relationships with my family, was suddenly gone, Ben took that away from me.

“Me and my family have agreed to move on and forgive each other for the things that happened but it remains difficult on both sides. One of the things Ben set out to do was to destroy my relationship with my family and friends and both me and my family are determined to show him that he failed. He didn't get my son taken from me and he hasn't broken us as a family. He doesn't get to have that over us.

“Building any relationships is going to be very difficult for me as I now constantly feel like people are trying to control me over the slightest little thing and if anybody speaks out of turn to me, I immediately challenge them and tell them not to talk to me like that. I just don't feel the same anymore, I used to be fluffy and soft, but I am very hard faced now when it comes to other people. I find it difficult to let anybody in.

“It is my hope that Ben will not be able to harm anybody else in the future or treat any other person like he has me. I truly hope that nobody else will ever have to go through what I have been through.”

Reporting 

Along with our partner agencies, we will be there to help and support you all the way.

You can report to us by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report online, or use our Live Chat service, as the victim in this case did.

Where to find support

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.