A Littlehampton man who sexually assaulted a woman and subjected her to an horrific assault has been convicted at court.
Christopher Holland, 34, of Mill Lane, was charged with intentional strangulation, causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and engaging in coercive/controlling behaviour following a vicious attack in November, 2022.
He was later charged with sexual assault by penetration after his victim reported a separate incident during the investigation.
Police were called to a property in Brighton in the early hours of Saturday, November 26, after neighbours reported a woman screaming for help.
Officers forced their way into the property as Holland jumped from a second storey window and fled the scene.
His victim – a woman in her 40s - had suffered significant injuries after what she described as a vicious, prolonged assault over more than 90 minutes, in which she feared she would be killed.
She was safeguarded and a manhunt was launched to locate Holland, who was arrested within 24 hours.
He was charged with intentional strangulation, ABH and coercive/controlling behaviour and remanded in custody on November 28, 2022.
At Hove Crown Court on February 9, he pleaded guilty to all three offences.
While awaiting sentencing, he was also charged with a violent sexual assault from August, 2022.
He was subsequently charged with sexual assault by penetration, of which he was found guilty by a jury at Lewes Crown Court on November 8.
He will be sentenced for all four matters at a court to be confirmed on January 5, 2024.
Detective Constable Jess Gwynn said:
“Christopher Holland left his victim fearing for her life during an incredibly violent, prolonged attack.
“Officers were able to intervene thanks to her neighbours raising the alarm. Without that intervention, this incident could have had tragic consequences.
“Instead, Holland has been remanded in custody, where he awaits sentencing and justice for his crimes.
“I would like to thank his victim for supporting this investigation through to its conclusion, and I hope this result provides her with some measure of comfort as she looks to move on with her life.”
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