Man sentenced for grievous assault in Hastings

A man has been jailed this week for carrying out a violent assault in Hastings.

Darryl Crane had been drinking with the victim, a 26-year-old man, at a flat in Hastings when he carried out the attack.

Police officers later found the victim unconscious in the street outside with serious injuries.

The victim was taken to hospital, with injuries including a fractured eye socket and internal bleeding in his head, as well as bruises to his body, arms and knees.

He remembered very little of the incident apart from trying to escape from the flat, and remained in hospital for two weeks afterwards. He is still suffering as a result of his head injuries.

Crane was arrested along with a youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

After a trial at Hove Crown Court on  January 16 this year, Crane was found guilty by a jury of Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm with intent

Crane, 35, unemployed, of Halton Place, Hastings, was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment and a further 3 years on licence

The youth, a teenage boy, was found guilty of Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm. He was sentenced to a three-year youth rehabilitation order with a supervisory requirement.

The court heard how officers found the victim in the street in Priory Road, Hastings, at about 9.30pm on April 21, 2020.

Investigating officer Caroline Bendell said: “This was a sustained assault that left the victim with serious injuries.

"I would like to commend the bravery shown by the victim and witnesses in this matter by coming to court and providing their evidence.

"It is thanks to their courage along with the evidence put forward by Sussex Police that meant the jury were able to come to a guilty verdict."