Three Men Sentenced for Grievous Haywards Heath Assault

Three men have been sentenced for a grievous assault on a boy in Haywards Heath. The victim was knocked off his bicycle by a car and further assaulted, sustaining life-changing injuries.

The incident occurred at about 5.40pm on 28 July last year at Sydney Road. Jack Ancell, 24, drove a Vauxhall Corsa at the boy, knocking him through a garden fence and street sign. Charlie Clark, 24, then stabbed the boy as he lay injured.

Aiden Barber, 22, and Ancell also assaulted the boy on the ground. They fled the scene when challenged by members of the public.

Police launched an extensive investigation to trace the Vauxhall Corsa driver and passengers. The three men were identified and arrested in the days following the assault. They were charged with causing grievous bodily harm and with possession of a bladed article in public. All three admitted the offences in court.

Sentencing Details

At Lewes Crown Court on 13 April, Ancell, Clark, and Barber were sentenced. Ancell, of Heron Close, Sayers Common, was jailed for seven years. He was also given an extended three-year period on licence due to dangerousness. This means he must serve two-thirds of the prison time before parole consideration. If released, he will remain on licence for an additional three years, making a ten-year sentence in total.

Clark, of Cuckfield Road, Hurstpierpoint, was jailed for seven years. Barber, of Sycamore Drive, Burgess Hill, was jailed for six years and three months.

Police Statement

Speaking after the case, Mid Sussex district commander Chief Inspector Steve Turner said: “We understand the concerns that this incident caused within the community in Haywards Heath last summer.

“Officers carried out extensive enquiries to locate the three men involved, and I would like to thank the public for the overwhelming support they showed for our investigation to ensure we were able to obtain these convictions in court.

“The violence shown by Ancell, Clark and Barber was appalling and there is simply no excuse for the violence they inflicted on the victim.

“By using a vehicle as a weapon Ancell put the life of the victim in danger, as well as other road users in the area. They then continued by stabbing and seriously assaulting the seriously injured victim on the ground in a cowardly attack.

“They are now learning the consequences and will be serving significant custodial sentences.

“We continue to encourage residents who are concerned about crime to report incidents to Sussex Police online or by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999.”

A woman, now aged 20, who was previously arrested in connection with the incident, was ruled out of enquiries and faces no further police action.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This article is based on an official press release issued by a Police Force. Document: Three men sentenced for grievous assault on Haywards Heath boy Source Link

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