A man from Chichester who strangled and punched a woman and later attacked her with a sealed beer can while she slept has been jailed, police have reported.

A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “Benjamin Usher, 34 (DOB: 11/10/1991) from Chichester, West Sussex, has been sent to prison following two attacks in which he used sustained violence against the survivor, causing significant physical injuries and lasting harm.

“On the evening of 16 November 2025, Usher intentionally strangled the survivor, cutting off her breathing. When he eventually released her and she tried to get away, he pushed her to the ground and punched her to the face, causing a black eye and haemorrhaging.

“His violence did not stop there.

Benjamin Usher has been sent to prison following two attacks in which he used sustained violence against the survivor, causing significant physical injuries and lasting harm. Picture courtesy of Surrey Police

placeholder image — Benjamin Usher has been sent to prison following two attacks in which he used sustained violence against the survivor, causing significant physical injuries and lasting harm. Picture courtesy of Surrey Police

“On 29 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.

“Appearing at Guildford Crown Court on Friday (7 August), Usher pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of intentional strangulation. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

“An indefinite restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Usher from contacting the survivor in any way.

“The survivor bravely attended court, where she delivered a statement setting out the profound impact the offender has had on her life. Her words, which are shared with her permission, describe the harm caused by his violence and the strength it has taken to stand before the court.”

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.

“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 spoke about everything and looked back at what had happened that I realised just how much of myself had disappeared.

“The hardest thing to accept is that I do not believe I will ever be the same person again.

“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.”

Investigating officer, 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.

“These were not isolated moments of violence. Usher’s offending was deliberate, sustained and deeply harmful.

“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.

“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.”

For more information and advice please visit Advice about domestic abuse | Surrey Police.