Chichester man jailed for repeated violent assaults on partner
He's also been handed an indefinite restraining order
A man has been jailed after subjecting a woman to two violent attacks, including intentional strangulation.
Benjamin Usher, 34, of Chichester, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 7th August.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of intentional strangulation, and was sentenced to three years behind bars.
On the evening of 16th November 2025, Usher strangled the survivor, cutting off her breathing.
When he released her and she tried to get away, he pushed her to the ground and punched her in the face, causing a black eye and haemorrhaging.
On 29th January 2026, while the survivor was asleep in bed, Usher attacked her again, repeatedly hitting her with a sealed beer can.
The force of the assault caused the can to burst, soaking the survivor in beer, and left her with two black eyes and haemorrhaging.
An indefinite restraining order has also been imposed, banning Usher from contacting the survivor in any way.
The survivor attended court and delivered a statement, shared with her permission, setting out the impact of Usher's offending.
She said: "I wasn't searching for a perfect life or material things. My dream was much simpler than that. I wanted a home where love was unconditional and where kindness was stronger than fear."
She said: "Instead I was sold a nightmare."
She said: "It has taken me a long time to understand how serious the abuse really was. When you live with fear for long enough, it becomes normal. It wasn't until I finally spoke about everything and looked back at what had happened that I realised just how much of myself had disappeared."
She said: "The hardest thing to accept is that I do not believe I will ever be the same person again."
She said: "I cannot undo what has happened. I can only try to rebuild what was broken. I hope the people in this room today, understands that the impact of these offences did not end on the day they were committed."
Detective Constable Dan Baldwin said: "The survivor in this case has shown immense courage throughout the investigation and court process. Her bravery in speaking about what happened to her has helped ensure Usher has been brought before the courts to be held accountable for his actions."
He said: "These were not isolated moments of violence. Usher's offending was deliberate, sustained and deeply harmful."
He said: "I want anyone experiencing domestic abuse to know that they will be listened to and supported. We will investigate reports of abuse thoroughly, pursue violent offenders robustly and work with partners to help safeguard those at risk."
He said: "If you are experiencing abuse, or you are worried about someone you know, please contact us. You do not have to wait until things escalate, and you do not have to face it alone."