Justice Served in Milford: Man Receives Two-Decade Sentence for Protective Order Violation and Sexual Assault

In a powerful statement from the Connecticut judicial system, Timothy B. Vane, a 46-year-old man from New Haven, has been handed a substantial 20-year prison sentence. The gravity of the charges against him — a particularly heinous sexual assault combined with a blatant violation of a standing protective order — really resonated during his sentencing in connection with an incident at a Milford motel.

It was on February 20, 2023, at the Super 8 motel nestled on Bridgeport Avenue in Milford, that the chilling events unfolded. Vane, despite being legally barred from contacting the victim due to a previous domestic violence case, flagrantly disregarded the protective order. He made contact, picked her up, and ultimately brought her to the motel, setting the stage for the assault.

The morning after, with remarkable courage, the victim managed to escape the situation. She reached out for help, calling 911 from a nearby convenience store. Her desperate plea prompted a swift response from law enforcement, who, upon arrival at the motel, found Vane still present. He was promptly taken into custody, initially held on a hefty $250,000 bond, a clear indication of the seriousness of the allegations.

Facing the weight of the evidence, Vane ultimately chose to plead guilty. The charges he admitted to were first-degree sexual assault and, crucially, violating that protective order. During the sentencing hearing, presided over by Judge Peter McShane, the court delivered a judgment that aims to bring a measure of justice to the victim and send a clear message about such egregious acts.

This case, as tragic as its details are, really underscores the critical importance of protective orders in safeguarding individuals from domestic violence. When such orders are violated, and especially when they lead to further harm, the consequences, as Vane's sentence demonstrates, are severe. It's a stark reminder that the legal system is indeed committed to holding perpetrators accountable and, hopefully, offering some semblance of peace and protection to victims.