GROTON MAN ARRESTED IN WATERFORD HOME INVASION, ASSAULT

Waterford — A Groton man is facing several charges after police said he assaulted his ex-girlfriend and trashed her home.

George F. Bassett, 52, of 322 Benham Road, was charged Friday with home invasion, first-degree strangulation, third-degree assault, second-degree threatening, third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

According to an arrest report, officers on Friday went to an unspecified Quaker Hill residence for the report of physical domestic violence. The victim told officers she was watching television when she responded to a knock at the door and found Bassett standing there. According to the report, Bassett, without permission, entered the house before the victim could tell him to leave.

The victim said Bassett accused her of seeing other men and blamed her for previous time he spent in prison. According to the report, he then went on a rampage, punching and strangling her multiple times. Bassett also allegedly knocked over vases and plants, put holes in the walls and ripped the refrigerator door off its hinges.

The victim escaped and ran to a neighbor’s house when Bassett went to the bathroom, the report states.

Police determined the victim’s injuries were consistent with her story. They asked Groton City police to locate and detain Bassett, which they did.

Held on a $100,000 surety bond, Bassett was arraigned in New London Superior Court Monday.

State judicial records show Bassett has three previous convictions for crimes including second-degree assault, second-degree strangulation, interfering with a 911 call, second-degree threatening and criminal violation of a protective order. According to the records, Bassett’s probation was active during Friday’s incident.