March man jailed after assaulting woman, abusing hotel staff and taking car without consent

A March man who assaulted a woman at a Cambourne hotel and verbally abused bar staff has been jailed.

James Willis (30) went to the Cambridge Belfry Hotel and Spa, in Back Lane, with the victim on December 4.

The pair spent the evening drinking in the hotel bar, with Willis becoming increasingly loud. He verbally abused two members of staff, before the woman challenged him about his behaviour.

Later that evening Willis argued with the woman about how she had spoken to him. He threatened her, grabbed her by the throat, threw her across the room and held the door shut so she could not escape.

Hotel staff came to the woman’s aid when they heard her screams. No longer able to assault the woman, Willis took her car keys from her coat pocket, left the building and drove off in her vehicle.

Willis, of Fishermans Drive, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words, assault by beating, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and driving without insurance.

On Monday, at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court, he was jailed for 20 weeks and disqualified from driving for 18 months.

PC Jake Weldon said: “Willis’ behaviour towards staff at the hotel was disgusting.

“When the victim rightly challenged him about this, she was subjected to an awful ordeal. She was terrified as he threatened and assaulted her. I’d like to commend the hotel staff who came to her rescue and in doing so stopped the attack form continuing.

“I’m pleased he has now faced justice.”

For information and support concerning domestic abuse visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website.