Man, 24, sent to prison for domestic abuse

A 24-year-old man has been sent to prison after he was found guilty of domestic abuse offences which took place in Kettering.

Salvatore Sortino, previously of Kettering, subjected his ex-partner to over a year of abuse following the end of their relationship, including assaulting her which ranged from spitting to slapping her.

At times, he would call and text her in excess of 300 times a day, turning up at her home, her workplace and even her friend’s house, to threaten her with violence.

Even after he was charged and remanded to await trial, he continued to harass her from prison.

During the trial at Northampton Magistrates’ Court in August, magistrates stated that the case “was one of the most serious they had ever seen as an experienced bench”, finding Sortino guilty of harassment with fear of violence encompassing three assaults, malicious communications, and witness intimidation.

He was committed to Northampton Crown Court for sentencing and on Thursday, September 14, was sent to prison for three years and five months. He was also given a 10-year restraining order.

Lead Investigator – PC Beckie Woodhouse from the Force’s Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit said: “Salvatore Sortino is an extremely calculated man who set out to use threats and violence to keep his partner where he wanted her and ensure she was under his control.

“He even continued with this despicable behaviour from prison, showing no remorse or regard for what he had put her through.

“I want to commend the survivor in this case for the incredible amount of bravery she has shown throughout this investigation. Reporting domestic abuse is never easy but her courage has ensured that this man is now behind bars.

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police. Every day we want to work as hard as we can to put people like Sortino behind bars and to support the survivors of these awful crimes to go on and live happy lives free of their abusers.

“I hope this case demonstrates that determination and our commitment to continue doing as much as we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Love should lift you up and make you feel safe and happy.

It shouldn't make you feel anxious, fearful and controlled.

If you are suffering in a relationship, please come forward.

You deserve better.

We will believe you.

If you need our help please ring 101 or in an emergency – 999. If you would prefer to report online, you can visit www.northants.police.uk/ro.

If you have been a victim of a domestic abuse but are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965. Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you. Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.