Man sentenced over violent assault in Bexhill

A man has been sentenced following his involvement in violent offences in Sussex.

Connor Hyland-Whiting assaulted a man with a machete in the street following an earlier altercation in a town centre pub.

The 25-year-old had also committed offences in East Sussex.

Following a public appeal, he was located at a holiday park in Camber Sands and was arrested and charged.

At Lewes Crown Court on September 11, he admitted wounding with intent,  possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a knife, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and affray.

He was sentenced to a total of five years in prison, with an additional four years on his licence period.

The court was told how an argument broke out inside a pub in London Road, Bexhill, at 11.20pm on February 24 this year.

Hyland-Whiting and the victim had to be separated by security staff, and witnesses described Hyland-Whiting as becoming “irate” and assaulting a security guard.

After being removed, he was later seen emerging from a vehicle with a machete and assaulting the original victim in the town centre before running off.

The victim suffered injuries consistent with a stabbing and required hospital treatment.

A month earlier, Hyland-Whiting was involved in a separate violent incident.

On January 22 he was involved in an affray at a premises in Mount Road, Hastings, in the early hours of the morning, where he was seen holding a knife.

Hyland-Whiting was arrested by officers from the Tactical Enforcement Unit on March 3 and was taken into custody.

His offences were deemed so serious that the court also imposed an extended sentence, as Hyland-Whiting is considered at risk of committing similar serious offences.

This means he will not be automatically released half way through serving his sentence, but instead must serve a minimum of two-thirds of the term before he can then be considered for parole.

Hyland-Whiting must also serve an additional four years on licence after his release from prison, taking the overall sentence to nine years.

Speaking after the case, Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “We understand these incidents caused concern among the local community, and I’d like to thank the public for the support they gave to our investigation.

“We are grateful for the information received by the public in order to locate Hyland-Whiting following a public appeal.

“This case shows our determination to bring offenders to justice.

“It required great teamwork and professionalism across the force to conduct the extensive investigation and ensure a successful outcome in court.

“Tackling knife crime and serious violence is one of our top priorities as we understand the devastating impact it can have on victims, and the wider public.

“So we are pleased that a dangerous offender has been taken off the streets.”