Abuser who jumped from window to evade arrest sentenced to prison

A domestic abuser who jumped out of a window in a failed attempt to evade arrest has been sentenced to prison.

Kent Police received an emergency call at 6.15pm on 10 January 2026 where a woman could be heard on the line very distressed, crying and screaming for help before the call disconnected.

Patrols were immediately dispatched to the address where they arrived minutes later. Officers forced entry into the Canterbury flat and located the victim who required medical attention for her injuries. At the same time, Benjamin Knowles was climbing out of the rear bedroom window to evade arrest.

Arrested

Officers pursued him out of the window, and he was arrested a short while later in an alleyway close to the address.

The victim later disclosed that over the course of several days Knowles had repeatedly assaulted her by punching her, strangling her multiple times, once to the point of unconsciousness, as well as slapping her and kicking her.

Charged

He was charged the next day with three offences including non-fatal strangulation and actual bodily harm. Knowles pled not guilty on all counts put against him however a jury found him guilty following a five day trial.

On 20 August 2026, Knowles, of Canterbury Road, Herne Bay, was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in prison at Canterbury Crown Court. A restraining order was also issued to protect the victim.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Chris Harvey, said:

‘Knowles is a violent offender who subjected his victim to persistent harassment and abuse, repeatedly breaching court orders and bail conditions to do so. I am pleased that the judge has handed down this sentence today, which reflects the seriousness of his offences. 'We will always push for the harshest possible outcome at court, and we are committed to ensuring people like Knowles are held accountable for their actions.’