Heathfield man attacked woman and trashed property

The victim was left with serious facial injuries after the assault.

35 year old William Bennet of Heathfield Road, Five Ashes, broke his victim’s nose and caused significant damage to her teeth when he punched her in the face.

He also damaged property at the address in Cross in Hand, Heathfield.

Police attended the incident in July 2023, and arrested Bennett on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.

In July 2024, Bennett was charged with three counts of assault, two of intentional strangulation, two of criminal damage, and one of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

At the conclusion of a four-day trial at Hove Crown Court, Bennett was also found guilty of causing actual bodily harm. He was handed a ten-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.