Benjamin Coates 42

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A man has been jailed for life today for offences including attempted murder and rape in Portsmouth.

Benjamin Coates, 42, of Eagle Avenue in Waterlooville was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court today (Friday 17 October) after he was found guilty of a number of offences committed against a woman in her 30s in Portsmouth between April and December 2024.

On 8 December 2024, Coates assaulted the woman, breaking her ribs, and then continued to assault her over a three-day period until 11 December, when police were called after a member of the public heard the woman screaming.

On police attendance, it was discovered that Coates had thrown the woman through a window, breaking her legs, and repeatedly kicked her in the face.

An investigation was launched by the Eastern Criminal Investigation Department and it was found that over the course of eight months, Coates had subjected the woman to repeated physical, sexual and emotional abuse and made threats to the woman’s family.

Coates was found guilty by a jury on 8 July 2025 of the following offences:

• Attempted murder
• Five counts of rape
• Intentional strangulation
• Controlling coercive behaviour
• Threatening to share intimate images
• Threats to kill

He has been sentenced to serve life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years. If released, he will remain on licence for the rest of his life.

Detective Sergeant Lucia Davies of the Eastern Criminal Investigations Department said:

“Benjamin Coates has received the only sentence appropriate for the unimaginable devastation and pain he has caused; a life behind bars.

“The depravity of the offences he has committed against the victim and her family are beyond words and I am glad that this dangerous man will not be able to subject any one else to this horrific behaviour.

“I cannot commend the victim enough for her bravery and courage in supporting us to bring this man to justice. I can’t begin to imagine the effect this has had on her both mentally and physically, but she has been integral to getting the result we did today. We couldn’t have done it without her unwavering strength.

“I know that no sentence will ever turn back time and undo the damage Coates has done, but I hope that knowing he will never be free will eventually help her begin her journey to rebuilding her life.

“I understand that coming forward and reporting to us can feel impossibly difficult and scary, but to anyone who is in an abusive relationship of any kind, I promise you that if you bring this to us, you will be listened to, you will be heard and we will do everything in our power to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice.”