LITTLEHAMPTON MAN JAILED FOR 15 YEARS AFTER BRUTAL ASSAULT
A Littlehampton man was locked up for 15 years after a savage sexual assault and a terrifying, prolonged attack on a woman.
Christopher Holland’s Horrific Crimes
Christopher Holland, 34, from Mill Lane, was found guilty of intentional strangulation, causing actual bodily harm (ABH), coercive and controlling behaviour, and sexual assault by penetration.
The appalling offences unfolded in November 2022, with a separate sexual assault from August 2022 also coming to light during the investigation.
Night of Terror in Brighton
Neighbours in Brighton called police in the early hours of Saturday, 26 November, after hearing a woman screaming for help.
Officers busted into the property, but Holland fled by jumping from a second-storey window. The victim, a woman in her 40s, was left with serious injuries after the brutal 90-minute attack. She feared for her life during the ordeal.
A manhunt led to Holland’s arrest within 24 hours. He was charged and held in custody.
Victim Speaks Out on Trauma
“I was too scared to be alone in my own house,” the victim said in court. “Even knowing Chris was in prison, I kept thinking he would come through the door.”
“If I heard his ringtone or saw a red car that looked like his, panic would set in. My self-confidence vanished.”
“During the assault, he pulled out so much hair that I was basically bald on the lower half of my head. The hospital said my hair was torn from the root and would take a long time to grow back. My head was swollen and painful.”
Police Praise Neighbours and Urge Help for Victims
Detective Constable Jess Gwynn said: “Domestic violence shatters lives. Christopher Holland controlled every aspect of his victim’s life and carried out a horrific attack that could have ended in tragedy.”
“Thanks to alert neighbours and the victim’s bravery, a dangerous man is behind bars.”
She added: “If you or someone you know is suffering domestic abuse, help is available. Contact the police online or by calling 101. Dial 999 in emergencies.”
