A 64-year-old man has been sentenced to prison following a terrifying assault on a woman in her 60s in Crowborough. Ashley Gaunt, from West Ewell, subjected the victim to months of brutal violence and verbal abuse between April 2024 and May 2025.
Gaunt repeatedly punched the woman, terrorising her with threats and vicious attacks. The nightmare culminated on 12 May 2025, when he dragged her by the hair, attempted to smother her, and threatened to kill her.
The victim managed to escape and immediately reported Gaunt’s horrific behaviour to the police. Authorities responded swiftly, arresting him on the same day.
Following a thorough investigation, charges were authorised in December 2025. On 10 December 2025, Gaunt appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court charged with five counts of assault, one count of intentional suffocation, and assault causing actual bodily harm. He pleaded guilty and was bailed ahead of sentencing.
At Lewes Crown Court on 11 February, Gaunt was sentenced to three years in prison. In addition, he received a 10-year restraining order to keep him away from the victim.
Originally published by UKNIP.
