An Eastbourne man who controlled and violently assaulted a woman over several years has been sentenced to prison.
Joshua Crompton, 27, of Bedfordwell Road, Eastbourne, sought to manipulate and control his victim’s behaviour through repeated assaults between 2022 and December 2024.
The victim, now 21, reported the sustained abuse to police on December 20, 2024, detailing numerous instances of Crompton attempting to control her relationships and exhibiting paranoid behaviour that often escalated into violence.
One particularly violent incident in March 2023 saw Crompton hold a knife to her throat and strangle her until she lost consciousness. This was just one of many attacks that occurred both in private and in public.
The day after she reported the abuse, Crompton attacked the victim again while she was on the phone with a police officer. She managed to flee to a nearby business for safety, but Crompton had left the scene before police arrived. He was arrested shortly afterward and charged with multiple offences, including:
- Four counts of intentional strangulation
- Three counts of assault
- Engaging in coercive/controlling behaviour
- Stalking
- Threatening a person with an offensive weapon
- Criminal damage
Following his arrest, he was remanded in custody to await trial.
At Lewes Crown Court on January 25, Crompton pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation, two counts of assault, and criminal damage. After consultation with the victim, these pleas were accepted, and the remaining charges were placed on file.
On February 7, at the same court, he was sentenced to three years in prison and handed an indefinite restraining order.
Detective Constable Tania Snashall of Eastbourne’s Safeguarding Investigation Unit said: “Crompton subjected his victim to repeated and prolonged assaults, causing her to fear for her life. The impact on her has been profound and long-lasting. I do not underestimate the bravery it took for her to report him to the police, but thanks to her, he is now behind bars where he can cause no further harm. I hope this sentence allows her to begin to rebuild her life.”
If you are a victim of domestic violence, there are discreet reporting mechanisms and support services available. For more information, visit Advice about domestic abuse | Sussex Police.
