A man from Chichester has been given a custodial sentence after pleading guilty to two assaults and an act of intentional strangulation that left the survivor with significant physical injuries and lasting harm.
Court hears details of two attacks
At Guildford Crown Court on 7 August, the defendant admitted to offences arising from two separate incidents. Surrey Police identified him as Benjamin Usher, 34, of Chichester, West Sussex. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and handed an indefinite restraining order barring contact with the survivor.
The first attack took place on the evening of 16 November 2025. Prosecutors said Usher deliberately strangled the victim, temporarily cutting off her breathing. When she managed to break away, he pushed her to the ground and punched her in the face. The court was told these blows resulted in a black eye and haemorrhaging.
The second incident occurred on 29 January 2026. While the survivor was asleep, Usher is reported to have struck her repeatedly with a sealed beer can. The assault caused the can to burst, soaking the victim and leaving her with two black eyes and further haemorrhaging.
How the court and police described the harm
Surrey Police said the attacks involved “sustained violence” that caused both immediate injuries and longer-term harm. The survivor attended court and gave a statement detailing the personal impact of the abuse. Parts of her statement were published with her permission.
“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. Instead I was sold a nightmare. 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…”
The published excerpt underlined the emotional and psychological consequences of the violence, as well as the survivor’s determination to speak in court.
Legal outcome and protective measures
Usher pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of intentional strangulation. He was given a three-year prison sentence. The indefinite restraining order will prevent him from contacting the survivor in any form.
| Date | Reported action |
|---|---|
| 16 November 2025 | Strangulation, pushed to the ground and punched — caused black eye and haemorrhaging |
| 29 January 2026 | Assault while asleep using a sealed beer can — can burst, caused two black eyes and haemorrhaging |
| 7 August 2026 | Pleaded guilty at Guildford Crown Court; sentenced to three years' imprisonment and indefinite restraining order imposed |
Local context and implications
Incidents of domestic and interpersonal violence are a significant concern for communities across West Sussex, and this case highlights how sustained abuse can have severe physical and psychological effects. The sentence and restraining order aim to protect the survivor and signal the court’s response to repeated violent behaviour.
Surrey Police’s public statement framed the attacks as deliberate and sustained, and the conviction will be recorded on Usher’s criminal history. The survivor’s attendance at court and her statement demonstrate the role victims can play in achieving accountability, though the reporting also reflects the personal cost of coming forward.
- Sentence: Three years’ imprisonment.
- Offences: Two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm; one count of intentional strangulation.
- Protection: Indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact.
Local agencies and police forces continue to encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse to seek help. Specialist support services can provide immediate safety planning, legal advice and emotional support. Reporting such crimes helps secure protective orders and prosecutions, but survivors often need multiple forms of assistance to rebuild their lives.
Surrey Police provided the details of the case in a public notice following the court hearing; no further comment was made by the defence in those reports.
This verdict will be of interest to Chichester residents concerned about community safety and the workings of the criminal justice system when responding to domestic violence.
