Abuser jailed after assaulting woman in West Sussex

Wednesday, 2 September 2026 13:55

By V2 Radio

31, Alexander Chennell, of Brookers Road, Billingshurst. - CREDIT: Sussex Police 2026

An abuser who choked a woman and assaulted her by the hair has been jailed.

Alexander Chennell, 31, carried out offences between March and May this year.

In one incident he grabbed the victim by her hair and choked her.

In another incident he prevented the victim from leaving a property, then poured boiling water into a fish tank to kill a fish.

Chennell tried to isolate the victim from friends and family, and left her in fear for her safety.

She reported her experience to the police and he was arrested and charged.

At Lewes Crown Court on 17 August he admitted coercive control, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation, criminal damage, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Chennell, of Brookers Road, Billingshurst, was jailed for three years. He was also put under a restraining order not to contact the victim, which lasts until 2036.

The victim described how Chennell had entered her “sanctuary” and “caused chaos” and said she was tired of making excuses for Chennell’s abusive behaviour.

Speaking after the case, Sergeant Simon Mayer said: “Chennell abused the victim and left her in fear.

“We take reports of violence against women and girls (VAWG) extremely seriously, and tackling it is a priority for Sussex Police.

“We were determined to get justice for the victim in this case, and Chennell is now serving a custodial sentence.”

More information and support for victims is available on the Safe:Space Sussex website.

Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.

Amazing HALF PRICE local offers! Save money and get a great deal at V2vouchers.co.uk

More from Local News

Worthing man arrested over alleged inappropriate behaviour on seafront

A 38-year-old man from Worthing has been arrested following a number of reported incidents on Worthing seafront during July and August.
Housing costs and lack of career opportunities threaten young people’s future in Adur, Arun and Worthing

Young people could be driven away from Adur, Arun and Worthing by high housing costs and a lack of career opportunities, according to a new economic strategy.
Chichester MP calls for action as fewer than 6% of Sussex burglaries result in charge or summons

Liberal Democrat analysis of Home Office figures suggests just 5.49% of burglaries recorded in Sussex during 2025 resulted in someone being charged or summonsed. Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller is calling for tougher guarantees for victims.
St Leonards woman acquitted of drug dealing offences

A woman charged with drug offences has been found not guilty at Lewes Crown Court.
Original props from new D-Day film Pressure go on display in Portsmouth

Props used in the new film Pressure, starring Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser, have gone on display at The D-Day Story in Portsmouth ahead of the film’s cinema release on 9 September.
Sussex reptile rescue launches urgent appeal for permanent home

The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre is searching for land, a building or other long-term premises in West Sussex as it looks to expand its rescue, rehabilitation and education work.
Newport heritage attractions to open free as part of Heritage Open Days

The Museum of Island History and Newport Roman Villa will both offer free entry on special dates this September as part of Heritage Open Days, giving residents and visitors the chance to explore more of the Isle of Wight’s past.
Horsham families offered support as back-to-school costs reach hundreds of pounds

Horsham Matters is reminding families that financial and practical support is available as the cost of uniforms, shoes, sportswear and stationery adds pressure to household budgets at the start of the new school year.
Sussex researchers explore virtual reality to help ease pain for advanced cancer patients

Researchers at University Hospitals Sussex have helped demonstrate how virtual reality could support people living with advanced cancer, after a study found patients reported lower pain levels and improved wellbeing while using immersive digital experiences.
Memorials policy revised in Brighton and Hove

More time will be allowed for temporary memorials, shrines and tributes after a proposed two-week limit looks like being relaxed following criticism.