AN ABINGDON man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for breaking into a woman’s house and threatening her with a knife.

Ashley Cooper, 22, of John Morris Road, Abingdon, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Oxford Crown Court on Monday, July 20.

Thames Valley Police said Cooper broke into a house on Clements Way, Faringdon, at about 1am on April 7 this year.

The force said he stole a knife from the kitchen and went upstairs where a woman and her partner were asleep in bed.

Cooper then threatened the woman, who is in her 20s, with the knife, police said.

The force added her partner then managed to wrestle the knife from Cooper and he then fled.

He was arrested and then charged with the offence on April 24.

He pleaded guilty to the single charge of aggravated burglary at court.

Investigating officer Det Con Tim Hawley said: "This is a serious offence which left the victim traumatised.

"The victim has been very brave throughout the investigation and court process, and I would like to pay tribute to her.

"The sentence handed out reflects the severity of the offence and I hope this will encourage other victims to come forward and report offences to the police."