“YOU will be listened to and you will be supported” – that’s the message from our officers after a jury found a man guilty of seriously assaulting and falsely imprisoning a woman at a hotel in Saffron Walden in a Domestic Abuse case.

The victim and Danny Chandler, 46, of Whittlesey Road in March, were staying in the town on the night from 31 March to 1 April 2023 when he attacked her multiple times, leaving her with injuries to her head, face, stomach and leg.

When she tried to contact the police for help using the SOS button, Chandler took the phone from her.

When she tried to leave the room he dragged her back and assaulted her again.

The SOS briefly connected to our emergency response handler. Officers were able to locate the abandoned call and quickly deployed to the hotel and arrested Chandler.

He was charged with one count of false imprisonment, one count of causing actual bodily harm, one count of intentional strangulation and one count of possession of a Class A drug, but pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday 3 September.

After a three-day trial, the jury found him guilty of the offence on Friday 5 September, and he will now be sentenced at the same court at a later date.

The victim in this case said: “I would like to sincerely thank officer in charge of my case, Detective Stolarska, and the officers who located me on the night of the incident, as well as my dedicated Independent Domestic violence Advisor (IDVA), who has provided continuous support over the past two-and-a-half years.

“Following this conviction, my family and I can begin to rebuild our lives.

“To anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or friends and family concerned for a loved one, please know you do not need to suffer in silence — help is available.

“Reaching out can make a real difference. I encourage you to seek support from Essex Compass.”
‘Incredible dignity’

Speaking after the conviction, Detective Constable Barbara Stolarska said: “The victim at the centre of this case did a brave and difficult thing in supporting our investigation.

“I know how hard it can be to have to give evidence after a traumatic assault like this, and she has conducted herself with incredible dignity throughout this case.

“Chandler tried to deny the harm he caused from the moment of his arrest, but the case we built showed the jury the truth and I am glad they concluded he was guilty.

“I would ask anyone who finds themselves in the same situation as the victim in this case to trust us to help you – you will be listened to and you will be supported.”