A 49-year-old man from Peacehaven has been jailed for two years after subjecting a woman to controlling behaviour, physical assaults and strangulation.
Steven Burchett, of Heathy Brown, Peacehaven, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 28 September for coercive control and intentional strangulation.
The court heard that Burchett subjected the woman, who was known to him, to months of abuse between March and August this year, leaving her living in constant fear and anxiety.
During one incident, Burchett, who was intoxicated, pushed the victim to the floor, causing injuries.
On another occasion, he choked her and subjected her to a barrage of abusive messages. He also made violent threats towards her.
The abuse came to the attention of Sussex Police following a 999 call in August.
Burchett was sentenced to two years in prison and was also made subject to a five-year restraining order.
Speaking about her experience, the victim said: "Men who threaten to kill women do sometimes go ahead and kill women."
She explained how difficult it had been to pursue a prosecution against her abuser.
"I can understand why many women choose not to pursue this course of action, I just wanted it to go away and pretend that it never happened, but it did.
"The thought of this person still being allowed to be out and free is honestly absolutely terrifying, I chose this course of action for the women who have come before me and to protect those future women who he may continue to harm."
Following the sentencing, PC Heath, from Sussex Police, praised the victim for coming forward.
"I want to thank the victim for coming forward to report her experience to the police to ensure a dangerous offender was charged and brought before the courts.
"Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a top priority for Sussex Police, and we were determined to get justice in this case. I would encourage any victims of abusive behaviour to come forward and report it to the police."
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