Aurora man guilty of choking girlfriend

A 30-year-old Aurora man with a history of domestic abuse was convicted Wednesday of two counts of aggravated domestic battery and two counts of domestic battery, according to a news release Thursday from the Kane County state's attorney's office.

Daniel L. Benson Jr. and his girlfriend were arguing in the kitchen of their home May 19 when Benson punched her in the ribs while she was holding their child, according to the news release.

The victim went to a different room and set the child down in a bassinet, and Benson followed and punched her in her left upper thigh, causing her to fall. Benson then jumped on top of her and began choking her.

The choking lasted about 30 seconds but stopped when police - whom the victim had called earlier - arrived at the front door, the release said.

This is Benson's second domestic battery conviction; he was convicted in 2017 in LaSalle County, according to the news release.

Benson faces a sentence of probation or three to seven years in prison. His sentencing hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18.