A violent man has the threat of prison hanging over him after he was sentenced by a crown court judge.
William Bennett, 35, was also made the subject of a 10-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting Hollie Bennett directly or indirectly including on social media.
At Hove Crown Court, Jonathan Atkinson, prosecuting, said that he punched Mrs Bennett, breaking her nose and damaging her teeth.
Bennett, 35, of Heathfield Road, Five Ashes, near Mayfield, also caused criminal damage to the home where she was living, smashing a glass door and punching a hole in a wall.
He was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH) at the end of a four-day trial in August.
And last Friday (10 October), he was given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, by Judge Roger Chapple who was also the trial judge.
Judge Chapple ordered Bennett to attend up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity and pay £2,000 compensation, £1,000 prosecution costs and a £187 victim surcharge.
Today (Thursday 16 October), Sussex Police said: “After an assault left a woman in Heathfield with a serious facial injury, a man has been sentenced.
“On Saturday 15 July 2023, a call to police reported that a man had punched a woman in the face as well as damaged property at an address in Cross in Hand, Heathfield.
“The assault left the victim with a broken nose and also with damage caused to her teeth.
“Police attended and a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.
“On Thursday 4 July 2024, William Bennett, 35, of Heathfield Road, in Five Ashes, was charged with three counts of assault, two of intentional strangulation, two of criminal damage and one of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.
“He was released on court bail ahead of further hearings and proceeded to plead not guilty.
“As his trial began on Monday 4 August, Bennett changed his plea to guilty in regard to a charge of criminal damage.
“The four-day trial continued and Bennett was also found guilty of causing actual bodily harm. He was then bailed to await his sentencing.
“Bennett appeared at Hove Crown Court on Friday 10 October where he was handed a 10-year restraining order against the victim and ordered to undertake rehabilitative activities.
“He also received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was fined £3,000.”
PC Caden Miles said: “No one should ever have to experience violence.
“Together with PC Clare Denny, we worked diligently to gather evidence, secure charges and bring the case before the court while providing ongoing support to the victim throughout.
“We welcome the positive outcome and hope it brings them a sense of closure.
“We are committed to investigating every report of violence with diligence and determination, supporting victims and holding offenders to account wherever possible.
“If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic abuse, you can make a Clare’s Law request online to find out if a current or former partner has a history of abusive behaviour.”
