Man jailed for unprovoked knife attack in Crawley

A man has been jailed for a seemingly unprovoked knife attack on another man in Crawley.

Police responded to a report of a stabbing in Gossops Drive on the evening of 11 March 2022.

A 31-year-old local man sustained a knife wound to the neck and was taken to hospital for emergency surgery.

Through enquiries, including CCTV trawls and witness statements, police arrested the suspect Callum Steer the next morning.

He remained silent throughout police interview and offered no explanation or defence to the allegations. He was subsequently charged with committing grievous bodily harm.

The 23-year-old, of Rosedale Close, Crawley, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment – consisting of six years in custody plus two years on licence – at Lewes Crown Court on 28 June.

Supporting the investigation, Detective Sergeant Phil Weston-Smith, of Coastal CID, said: “While the reason for Steer’s actions are unknown, it is clear that he inflicted a serious injury on his victim, who is fortunate to live to tell the tale."

Investigating officer, PC James Reilly, added: “Thanks to the bravery and support of the victim and his family, we were able to secure the evidence needed to arrest and charge Steer, and present the case to the Crown Prosecution Service.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to urge others to come forward if you have been a victim or witness to a crime. We will listen to you and we will seek to get justice against those who cause serious harm on the streets of Sussex.”