Thame man jailed after ‘terrifying’ assault on woman

A THAME man has been sent to prison for 16 months, after going on the rampage in a Thame pub, during which he punched a woman in the head and assaulted several other people who attempted to protect the woman.

Peter Butler

Peter William Butler, aged 61, of Glenham Road, Thame, pleaded guilty to three charges of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH), and two counts of common assault. A count of Witness Intimidation was dropped at court.

Butler pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court on February 22, and was sentenced yesterday, Wednesday (23/3). He was also ordered to pay over £1,500 in damages

At around 12.45am on January 24, Butler walked into the Swan Hotel, Thame, and walked up to a woman in her forties who was known to him, and punched her in the head multiple times. He also punched a 51-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, who are both staff at the pub.

Butler then attempted to hit the man with a bottle. He then pursued the woman in her forties, pushing her into the men’s toilet, where CCTV footage captured him assaulting her. During the attack, he also assaulted another 25 year-old man, and another 51-year-old man, who were also staff at the pub, as they tried to protect the woman and eject Butler from the premises. 

The woman in her forties received bruising, to her face neck and arms and a head injury.

Butler was arrested on January 24, and charged the next day.

Investigating Officer, PC Aaron Walker based at Thame police station, said: “This was a terrifying incident in which the woman was viciously assaulted by Butler.

“Butler was completely out of control attacking anyone who tried to stop his assault on this defenceless woman.”

“I would hope that the victim is able to move on from this assault which has left her deeply affected.”

“I would also like to thank the others who were assaulted for their bravery in trying to protect the victim from the sustained attack by Butler.”

Peter Butler, who was born in South London, and has lived in the Thame area for over 30 years, described himself as ‘a serial entrepreneur’ and is well known in the town with his mobile coffee franchise van, often seen at local festivals and events. Last May, he stood for election as both a town and a district councillor for UKIP but was not elected.