A man who strangled a woman and later attacked her with a beer can while she slept has been jailed for three years.

Benjamin Usher, 34, of Chichester, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, August 7, after admitting three offences against the same woman.

The court heard how Usher intentionally strangled the woman on November 16 last year, cutting off her breathing.

When she eventually managed to get away, he pushed her to the ground and punched her in the face, leaving her with a black eye and haemorrhaging.

His violence continued again two months later.

On January 29 this year, Usher attacked the woman while she was asleep in bed, repeatedly striking her with a sealed beer can.

The force of the attack caused the can to burst, soaking her in beer and leaving her with two black eyes and haemorrhaging.

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, banning him from contacting the woman in any way.

The survivor bravely attended court and delivered a statement describing the lasting impact of the abuse.

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 understand that the impact of these offences did not end on the day they were committed.”

Detective Constable Dan Baldwin, who investigated the case, 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.”

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.

“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.”