Richard Bennett Jailed for 18 Years: Eastbourne Man Convicted of Rape at Lewes Crown Court
Richard Bennett, 46, of Lower Willingdon, Eastbourne (Photo: Sussex Police)
An Eastbourne man has been jailed for 18 years for rape and other abuse of a woman he knew. Richard Bennett, 46, of Lower Willingdon, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court on 11 August and sentenced on 18 September, and Sussex Police announced the result on 14 October.
Police say Bennett was found guilty of rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, coercive controlling behaviour and strangulation.
Source: Sussex Police, Eastbourne man jailed for rape and domestic abuse, 14 October 2026
What the woman told police
On 5 February the woman reported to police that Bennett, of Lower Willingdon, had become increasingly controlling. Sussex Police says he lied about being a “police informant” to keep her in fear and to stop her seeking help and support.
She told officers that at times he would strangle her, assault her and threaten to kill her, and that she had been subjected to years of sexual abuse. Police say she was petrified of him but built up the courage to flee.
After her report, specialist officers safeguarded her and gave her support.
“The victim had suffered years of abuse at the hands of Bennett, who impacted every part of her life, isolating her and forcing her to stay indoors as his behaviour became more threatening.”
“She has been strong in supporting this investigation and it thanks to her that Bennett is now behind bars.”
Detective Constable Marc Thomas, Sussex Police
From the first report to the sentence
More court results are collected under Lewes Crown Court and Sussex Police on ImJustBrighton.
What coercive control and strangulation mean in law
Two of the offences are specific to abuse between people who are personally connected. The Crown Prosecution Service says the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship was created by section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 and carries a maximum of five years in prison.
Where to get help
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence, these services are free and confidential. In an emergency, call 999.
Survivors’ Network is the sexual assault and abuse support centre for survivors of all ages and genders in Sussex, with offices in Brighton and Eastbourne. Outside its helpline hours it points people to the Rape Crisis line.
Where this came from
This article is based on the Sussex Police court result published at 11:28 on 14 October 2026. Quotes are word for word from that release. The explanation of the offences comes from the Crown Prosecution Service and legislation.gov.uk.
Sources
- Sussex Police: Eastbourne man jailed for rape and domestic abuse, 14 October 2026
- Crown Prosecution Service: Controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship
- Domestic Abuse Act 2021, section 70
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline, Rape Crisis England & Wales and Survivors’ Network
More crime and policing news is on the crime page and under Sussex Police on ImJustBrighton.
Read more from ImJustBrighton
Fake Taxi Driver Jailed for 20 Years After Brighton Kidnap and Rape
Three Men Jailed for More Than 60 Years for Brighton Beach Rape
Brighton and Hove World Cup 2026 Warning: Give Domestic Abuse the Red Card
