Hannah Mellor, a mother who endured years of rape and abuse from her former partner Ben Fitton, says she has finally achieved justice after top judges at the Court of Appeal in London rejected his attempt to challenge his conviction and sentence.
The 33-year-old, who bravely waived her right to anonymity to inspire others in similar situations, described how Fitton's appeal kept him 'still in the shadows' of her life for 17 months. She admitted being 'terrified' that leave to appeal might be granted, but the court's decision has finally brought her peace.
Hannah's mother secretly travelled to London for Thursday's hearing and called her via FaceTime from outside the Royal Courts of Justice to share the news. 'It was the most important call I have ever received,' Hannah told the Manchester Evening News.
Fitton's Violent Campaign
Fitton, from Glossop, Derbyshire, was found guilty after a five-week trial at Manchester Crown Court in September 2024 of two counts of rape, non-fatal strangulation, coercive and controlling behaviour, and causing grievous bodily harm. The court heard he subjected Hannah to a sustained campaign of sexual, physical, emotional and psychological abuse in Rochdale and elsewhere.
During one incident, Fitton shoved Hannah to the ground, causing a wound so deep her kneecap was visible, requiring hospitalisation. He raped her on two occasions: first, he boiled a kettle and threatened to pour boiling water on her unless she performed oral sex; second, he strangled her until she began to pass out before raping her again.
Appeal Hearing Outcome
Fitton, jailed for 18 years in February 2024, appeared via video link at the appeal hearing. Hannah said: 'Finally on July 2 – just over three years on from his arrest – he was told that he would not be getting leave to appeal. I believe that is when his true colours showed as once more, he began shouting. Close to the end, he flipped his chair and was being restrained before the video link shut down.'
One detective described the case as one of the worst domestic violence cases he had ever seen.
Hannah's Journey to Justice
Desperate for help, Hannah contacted Greater Manchester Police via its online chat service in June 2023. 'I never thought I'd leave and reporting him was the last thing on my mind,' she said. 'It was only when he threatened my child that I knew I had no choice but to at least try to be heard.'
She praised the support she received from police officers and her Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), calling her ISVA 'my real life fairy godmother'. 'Without her I wouldn't be where I am today,' Hannah said.
Moving Forward
Hannah said Fitton 'has no place in my life' and she can now heal. 'He's not hanging over my head anymore and I can continue moving forward with my life without a single thought of him,' she added. She urged other victims: 'For anybody reading this and thinking they aren't strong enough to leave or to go through the legal process, you are. You will have a whole team of people by your side every step of the way.'
