Three men have been jailed for a brutal assault in Haywards Heath where a teenage boy was deliberately rammed by a car, sent crashing through a garden fence, and stabbed while lying injured on the street. The attack resulted in life-changing injuries for the teenager.
The horrific incident occurred on Sydney Road at 5.40pm on 28 July last year. The teenage victim suffered severe injuries after the trio, travelling in a Vauxhall Corsa, targeted him while he was cycling. The driver deliberately slammed into the boy, smashing him through a garden fence and into street furniture.
After the collision, the men exited the vehicle and continued the assault, stabbing the boy in a shocking act of violence. They fled the scene when bystanders confronted them.
At Lewes Crown Court on 13 April, 24-year-olds Jack Ancell and Charlie Clark, along with 22-year-old Aiden Barber, admitted charges of grievous bodily harm and carrying a knife in public.
The court handed down the following sentences:
- Jack Ancell (Heron Close, Sayers Common) – 7 years imprisonment, plus 3 years extended licence for dangerousness
- Charlie Clark (Cuckfield Road, Hurstpierpoint) – 7 years imprisonment
- Aiden Barber (Sycamore Drive, Burgess Hill) – 6 years and 3 months imprisonment
The court did not confirm which of the men was driving during the attack.
Mid Sussex district commander Chief Inspector Steve Turner condemned the assault as “appalling,” emphasising the use of a vehicle as a weapon that endangered not only the victim but other road users. He praised the bravery of the public in helping police apprehend the offenders.
“These offenders used a car to recklessly attack a teenager then viciously continued the assault while he was helpless. This cowardly act warrants the sentences given today,” said Turner. He encouraged local residents to continue reporting crimes to help keep communities safe.
A 20-year-old woman who was previously arrested in connection with the incident has now been cleared and faces no further action.
Originally published by UKNIP.
