A SOUTHAMPTON carpenter who kidnapped a terrified woman by dragging her off a city street into bushes was today jailed for two years and nine months.

Lee Harris pounced on Katherine Snook as she walked home alone along Archers Road last December.

He also attacked security guard Andrew Burton who attempted to rescue Miss Snook in the late-night incident.

Harris, 32, who works for Southampton City Council, of Branksome Avenue, Shirley, was convicted by a jury last July of kidnap and assault causing actual bodily harm.

The judge, Mr Recorder Michael Vere Hodge, said: "The facts were in the early hours of December 19, 1998, you saw Miss Snook making her way home along a deserted road in Southampton, you parked your van and went back and effectively lay in wait for her.

"You attacked her by pushing her to the ground in a deserted garden. Her screams alerted a security guard, Mr Burton, who was in a position to respond immediately. It was the purest good luck that Mr Burton happened to be there, happened to be alert, active and dedicated as he was."

The judge said he had to infer that Harris's motives were either sexual or robbery. "Miss Snook was young, slightly built and vulnerable.

"She was attacked and dragged into a garden causing her the most frightful anxiety. These offences are so serious only a custodial sentence is justified," he added.

The judge summarised a statement made by Miss Snook saying she had been made anxious of walking alone at night and avoided doing so now.

"She found the investigation, waiting for the trial and having to give evidence, caused her emotional strain," he added.

Jonathan Sharpe, defending, said Harris was a man of impeccable character who had never offended before. He said he still maintained his innocence and refused to see a psychiatrist.

The court heard Harris is a married man with a daughter and has a mortgage.

But his jail sentence may mean the family home will have to be sold.

As he was led away to begin his sentence, he kissed and hugged tearful members of his family. Mr Burton, the security guard, is to receive a certificate in recognition of his bravery from Hampshire Police later this week.

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