ESSEX Police officers have praised the bravery of a woman attacked and falsely imprisoned in Saffron Walden who’s now seen her attacked jailed for more than six years.

The victim and Danny Chandler, now 47, of Whittlesey Road in March, were staying in the town on the night from 31 March 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 setting on her phone, 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, and he’s been in custody since then.

He pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and possession of a Class A drug, and was found guilty of false imprisonment by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 5 September 2025.

He was sentenced to an extended sentence six years and six months and three years on licence at the same court on Thursday 29 January 2026. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

‘Incredible patience and perseverance’

Speaking after the conviction, Detective Constable Barbara Stolarska said: “The woman 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.

“It has been almost three years since Chandler attacked her, which shows the incredible patience and perseverance she’s displayed waiting for this sentence to be passed.

“It was very important to us to see a lengthy custodial sentence and the extended licence in place after release – those additional measures to monitor Chandler will be crucial in preventing further harm to other people. 

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