A Brighton man has been jailed for five-and-a-half-years following an unprovoked attack on a man in the street, which left him with serious lacerations.
Anthony Grist, 46, of Margaret Street, was found guilty following a six-day trial at Lewes Crown Court, which began on Monday, December 12. He was sentenced on Monday, December 19, after the jury delivered a unanimous verdict.
Grist assaulted a 34-year-old man on Beaconsfield Road just before midnight on Friday, May 20 of this year as the man walked home from band practice.
The victim sustained serious lacerations to his head and legs which required surgery. He has since recovered.
Police made house-to-house enquiries, gathering CCTV evidence, quickly identifying and arresting Grist during the early hours of Saturday, May 21.
He was released on conditional bail whilst the investigation continued.
Blood stains on the jacket and boots he was wearing on the night of the assault, forensically linked him to the victim.
Grist, however, pleaded not guilty, and his case went to trial on Monday, December 12 at Lewes Crown Court.
The jury deliberated for four hours and found Grist guilty of wounding with intent, and an immediate custodial sentence was handed down by His Honour Judge Mercer.
Crime investigator Rose Horan commented on the investigation, saying:
“This was an unprovoked attack which the victim described as “savage”. Anthony Grist repeatedly kicked and stamped on the victim while he lay on the ground defenceless. As His Honour Judge Mercer handed down sentence, he told Grist that the attack was brutal and that had it continued for much longer it could have been a murder. I would like to praise the bravery and determination of the victim in this case as well as the members of public who stepped in to help him, raised the alarm and attended court to give evidence.
“I’d also like to thank my colleagues for delivering a thorough and robust response on the night which ensured this violent offender was swiftly identified. He is now removed from our streets.”
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