A Darlington man who stabbed a man three times on a visit to Brighton has been jailed for seven years.
Brian Hamilton, 53, of Bolton Close in Darlington, had only recently met his 32-year-old victim, when he stabbed him in the head, neck and upper back, in a seemingly motiveless attack.
He was seen running away from the scene in Bramble Way on the evening of September 29, 2020.
His victim managed to flag down an off-duty police officer in Crowhurst Road, who called police and paramedics.
He was taken to hospital for treatment to 'serious injuries that had a life-changing impact'.
Police identified Hamilton as the suspect, however Hamilton had already left Brighton - police say he was already out on conditional bail in as part of an investigation in Darlington.
Sussex Police and the Metropolitan Police tracked Hamilton down in Paddington in August 2021 and he was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
After denying both charges he was found guilty by a jury and, on Friday, July 1 at Lewes Crown Court, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Detective Sergeant Stephanie Bell said:
“This was an unprovoked attack on a man who Hamilton barely knew, leaving him with serious injuries – the effects of which he is still living with to this day.
“Hamilton then fled the area in attempt to avoid facing justice for his crime, but was taken into custody and finally put behind bars.
“This sentence should serve as a reminder that there is no safe haven for criminals and we will pursue you, with our partners in forces across the country, and bring you to justice.”
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