Man Sentenced For Grievous Assault In Uckfield

Monday, 24 June 2024 15:48

A man who carried out a grievous assault in Uckfield town centre has been sentenced.

Vinnie Holdsworth, 20, was walking in a group in the town centre when he twice punched the victim.

The victim, who had his hands in his pockets before being struck, fell backwards.

He hit his head with such force that it left him with a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain.

The victim awoke in hospital, unable to recall what had happened.

In his victim impact statement he said Holdsworth carried out a “senseless and cowardly act”.

Nearly 18 months after the assault he has still not been able to return to work.

Holdsworth, a plumber of Linden Chase, Uckfield, appeared for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on May 31.

He admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, under Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act.

Holdsworth was sentenced to complete 300 hours of unpaid work as part of a two-year suspended prison sentence, and was put under a ten-year restraining order not to contact the victim.

The court was told how the incident happened at about 2am on February 5, 2023 in the High Street.

The victim had been out for a night out and was returning home.

Evidence showed the group walking along, then Holdsworth, who was not known to the victim, punched him twice.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Amy Summers said:

“Holdsworth carried out an appalling assault on the victim who was not able to defend himself.

“The victim has had to contend with a severe brain injury that continues to have lasting consequences.

"Holdsworth sent messages to his friend after the incident, stating he thought he had broken his hand and discussing whether to tell the police.

“Through our investigation we were able to show Holdsworth had punched the victim twice without any provocation or explanation.

“So we were determined to get justice. When the evidence was brought to court, Holdsworth had no choice but to plead guilty.”