A 26-year-old man, George Leighton, has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison after being found guilty of intentional strangulation and assault. The sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court on 19 September 2025.
Leighton’s abusive behaviour began after a relationship he entered in January 2024 began to break down. Over several months, the violence escalated.
On 14 September 2024, Leighton assaulted the victim-survivor while driving home from Sunbury. He grabbed her by the throat with both hands, causing her to struggle to breathe, and hit her face, leaving swelling. Additional assaults followed on 10 and 15 October, including hitting her head against the car, causing her to lose consciousness briefly.
Leighton also caused criminal damage, throwing the victim’s phone out of a car window and smashing her car window on 20 October. During his arrest on 21 October, he showed no remorse, laughing at footage of his own abusive behaviour.
Following a trial at Chichester Crown Court, Leighton was found guilty of two counts of intentional strangulation, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage.
Investigating officer Natalie Ridley from Surrey Police’s Domestic Abuse Team praised the victim’s bravery:
“I would like to commend the survivor for showing the strength to come forward and report the awful violence she was subjected to. Without her courage, Leighton would not have faced justice. We take every report of domestic abuse seriously and will support survivors fully.”
