A Stratford man who subjected a woman to a ‘terrifying ordeal’ in her own home has been jailed after the solicitor general appealed against his suspended jail

Steven Ridings, 55, attacked the woman and threatened to kill her with kitchen knives.

At Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, he was originally handed a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and a restraining order. He was also made to attend rehab and do unpaid work.

But this week, after the solicitor general referred his sentence for being too low, the Court of Appeal increased his imprisonment to 21 months.

The solicitor general, Robert Buckland QC MP, said: “I am pleased that the Court of Appeal has agreed with my referral and sentenced Mr Ridings to immediate custody.

“His victim went through a terrifying ordeal, and I hope that this decision will bring her some comfort.”