Sixteen years for grievous bodily harm

A violent man who twice beat a woman with a baseball bat in Wareham – breaking her arm and nose, splitting her head open and causing serious bruising – has been sent to prison for 16 years.

John Shane Porter, aged 30, was described by the sentencing judge, His Honour Judge Wiggs, at Bournemouth Crown Court as being a violent man who was violent towards the victim and who would be violent to others.

The tree surgeon was found guilty of two charges of causing grievous bodily harm to his partner, one count of perverting the cause of justice and one count of attempting to pervert the cause of justice.

Porter’s offences against a 25-year old Wareham woman – who required treatment and surgery in hospital as a result of the serious injuries – took place at a caravan in the Wareham area in April and May of last year, 2008.

Porter was given the prison sentence for reasons of public protection. He will not be eligible for parole until he has served eight of the 16 year prison tariff. Porter was also made the subject of a public protection order.

The senior investigating officer was Detective Inspector Stewart Dipple and the officer in the case was Detective Sergeant Wayne Seymour of Bournemouth and Poole CID.

After Porter’s sentencing, Detective Inspector Dipple said: “I am delighted that justice has been achieved for Porter’s victim who has been very brave in coming forward. The 16 year prison sentence sends a very strong message to anyone thinking of assaulting and injuring their partner.

“After the victim very bravely came forward, we were able to support her and keep her safe with the help of our multi-agency partners. My message to people who may be suffering domestic violence – female or male – is please do not suffer in silence. We can help you.

“Please be brave and find the courage to come forward and contact the police in confidence because the conviction and sentencing of Porter shows what can be achieved by the criminal justice system,” added Detective Inspector Dipple.