A 20-year-old man has been sent to prison after he violently attacked another man, fifty years older than himself, on a street in Hastings — leaving his victim with life-changing injuries.
Harry Bennett was outside Priory Meadow Shopping Centre around 10.15pm on June 1, 2020, when he approached the 70-year-old victim.
After a brief discussion, the victim tried to walk away but Bennett punched him, causing him to fall to the ground.
Then, as the victim lay unconscious, Bennett continued raining punches on the man, hitting him nine times before kicking his head, and finally leaving the scene.
CCTV cameras captured the attack — so, when officers attended and searched the area, they could identify Bennett by matching his clothing to that worn by the attacker in the images.
Bennett was arrested in York Gardens and taken into custody.
In interview, he claimed he had been drunk at the time of the assault, and said he had taken drugs that day.
He additionally said the victim had matched a description of a person who had been involved in an altercation with friends on the seafront earlier that day.
Police said they told him that was not possible, as the victim had only returned to the town via train minutes before the assault took place.
Bennett, 20, unemployed, of Quebec Road, St Leonards, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
At Lewes Crown Court on May 7, he admitted his offences, and was sentenced to three years and four months’ imprisonment.
Investigating officer Gavin Collins, of Hastings CID, said:
“The victim in this case had been doing nothing more than walking home when he was attacked by Bennett.
"As well as the physical injuries he suffered, including a nasty cut to the head, a broken rib, extensive bruising and a minor brain injury, the assault has had a serious and lasting emotional impact on him.
“Bennett showed absolutely no concern for his victim, continuing to assault him even as he was lying unresponsive on the ground.
“Thanks to a swift response by officers and CCTV footage of the assault, we were able to quickly apprehend Bennett and start building a strong case against him.
“This resulted in a guilty plea in court and we were pleased to see the judge hand Bennett a custodial sentence for his deplorable actions that day.”
More 'Live' Bus Information Screens To Be Installed In West Sussex
Rare Bee Found In Lewes
Event Bookings Go Live For Worthing Festival ‘24
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield
Man Charged With Rape Of Teenage Girl In Newhaven
Overnight Closures For A22 Forest Row Road Improvements
Brighton Defence Manufacturer's Controversial Planning Application Likely To Be Heard
Over £2.4m Approved For Worthing School Support Centre