Shoreham Man Sentenced For Stabbing In An Unprovoked Attack

A man from Shoreham has been sentenced for stabbing someone multiple times in an unprovoked attack.

At around 10pm on February 11th, 2020, a gang of masked men with weapons jumped over the fence of a house in Nicholson Drive in Shoreham. 

They kicked in the doors of a summer house and demanded money from the occupants - a woman now aged 19 and a man now aged 21.

The woman was subsequently attacked by the group, receiving facial injuries. When she screamed for help, her 56-year-old father came to her assistance. 

He was then confronted by a member of the group who stabbed him multiple times, including once to the chest.

The victim sustained serious injuries requiring surgery and is still suffering from the incident.

The suspects then fled the scene and police were called.

During an unrelated search warrant at an address in Sompting, police seized several items of distinctive clothing which matched those of the main suspect, including a green and red Gucci belt.

A pair of jeans and a grey hoodie were also seized and forensically tested, and the hoodie was found to have traces of blood which matched that of the victim.

This linked Jordan Bell, now aged 20, of Grafton Gardens, Sompting, to the scene of the crime.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, aggravated burglary and possession of a knife in public, all of which he denied.

He was remanded in custody and found guilty by jury of all three offences following a five-day trial which concluded on April 20th.

Bell then appeared before Hove Crown Court on Thursday 27 May, where he was sentenced to a total of seven years’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Louise Baileff, said:

“Bell armed himself with a knife before jumping into a garden as part of a group.

"He then brandished a knife at two of the victims in a summerhouse and when the third victim came to protect his daughter, Bell stabbed him multiple times.

“Quick thinking neighbours applied first aid to try and stop the bleeding until the ambulance arrived and took victim to hospital.

“Bell has not accepted any responsibility during the investigation and trial for his actions, although admitting being present at the address. 

"The jury saw through his story and rightly found him guilty of all offences.

"One victim still suffers physical effects from being stabbed, and all involved have been left with a serious and lasting emotional impact.

“Violence and knife crime will not be tolerated in Sussex and we are pleased that the judge has handed Bell a custodial sentence for his deplorable actions that night.

"This shows that people involved in such offences will be held accountable for their actions.”

A number of other people were arrested in connection with the incident but released without action; no further charges have been authorised to date.

Detectives are continuing to appeal to anyone with any information about the incident, or knowledge of those involved, to come forward.

You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Waterway.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.