Norwich Man Charged With Physically Assaulting Woman

A 51-year-old man is facing charges after reportedly assaulting a woman while trespassing at a vacant home in the Occum section of Norwich, according to police.

Ralph Spero, of New Village Street in Norwich, was found in an empty home while police were investigating the report of squatters there. Police said Spero and the woman had been staying in the home and that he assaulted her repeatedly over a period of several days.

The relationship between Spero and the victim is unclear.

Spero was arrested Friday morning and charged with first-degree assault, first-degree strangulation, cruelty to persons, second-degree threatening and first-degree unlawful restraint.

He was also charged with first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree criminal mischief and criminal attempt at theft of utilities in connection with the trespassing complaint.

Spero was held on a total of $510,000 bond. He’s due in court Tuesday.

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