‘I felt supported and listened to by the police’

A mother of two has praised Sussex Police after her attacker was handed a ten-year restraining order.

Aaron Agate, 35, of The Ridgeway, Burgess Hill, was found guilty of assault by beating and criminal damage following a trial at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.

During the abuse, Agate strangled and pushed his victim, threw items at her and damaged her home by punching and kicking walls and doors.

The violent assault last year resulted in her reporting him to Sussex Police.

The court heard how on 8 November 2025, Agate left the address where he and his victim lived, to watch a football match.

The victim tried to contact Agate after the game was over but got no response.

He came home at around 1.50am the following morning in a rage, shouting as he went upstairs toward the bedroom where the victim was in bed.

Agate tried to force the victim’s engagement ring from her finger.

After she gave him the ring, he then dragged her by her wrists from the bed to the floor and continued to shout at her.

He began punching and kicking holes in the bedroom door, wiping his bloodied hands forcefully against the victim’s face.

The victim was able to escape the abuse and left the house . She reported the incident to police later the same morning.

Agate was arrested on 10 November and charged with assault by beating and criminal damage to property.

Following a guilty verdict a trial, Agate appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 14 July.

He was given a ten-year restraining order as well as an 18-month high-level community order which includes a 20-day rehabilitation requirement, and 180 hours of unpaid work.

The court also ordered him to pay £750 compensation for damage and distress.

His victim, who was supported by specialist officers and wishes to remain anonymous, said:

“I realised that this cycle of abuse was never going to end unless I left.

“From the initial phone call to the officers who attended to take my statement within a couple of hours of reporting him, I felt supported and listened to, something that I always worried would not happen.

“I want to say thank you to officers for their support, professionalism and commitment in ensuring that I felt safe to make my report and give my evidence.

“I would like to encourage anyone in a similar situation to seek help, if you don’t want to report to the police, there are other agencies who can help you.”

PC Eleanor Cowen, the officer in charge of the case said: “I’d like to commend the victim for her strength and courage not only to come forward but throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

“Agate has now been sentenced and is the subject of strict conditions which includes a ten-year restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victim.

“Sussex Police is committed to protecting victims of domestic abuse and ensuring offenders are answerable for their crimes.

“Our message to victims of domestic abuse remains clear: we’re here to help, we will get you to safety, and we’ll pursue perpetrators to the fullest extent we can to get you the justice you deserve.”

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