Man Found Guilty Of Manslaughter Of Harrison Tomkins In Crawley

A man has been jailed after being found guilty of manslaughter following the death of a young man in Crawley.

Jason Curtis, now 24, was sentenced to nine years in prison after a jury at Lewes Crown Court convicted him of manslaughter on Friday (20 March).

The court heard how Harrison Tomkins, a 25-year-old lifeguard from Crawley, died after suffering multiple stab wounds during an attack at a block of flats in Arthur Road in the early hours of 13 August 2023.

Emergency services arrived within minutes and attempted to save him, but he tragically died at the scene.

Curtis had previously been convicted of murder alongside Kaydon Prior, 25, following a four-week trial.

Prior was sentenced to 28 years in prison, while Curtis originally received a 22-year sentence.

However, Curtis later appealed his conviction, leading to a retrial where he was cleared of murder and possession of an offensive weapon, but found guilty of manslaughter.

The court was told the pair had travelled back to Crawley from London after celebrating Curtis’ birthday, before targeting Prior’s ex-partner’s flat in Arthur Road, where Harrison was staying.

In the early hours, the two men forced entry into the property, where Harrison was fatally stabbed.

Following the attack, a major police search was launched, involving specialist teams.

Curtis was later found hiding nearby, while Prior was arrested at his home address.

During sentencing, the judge said Curtis had shown little remorse and appeared not to have learned from his actions.

In a statement read to the court, Harrison’s family described his death as “senseless” and “devastating”, paying tribute to a caring young man who had dedicated his life to helping others.

Detective Constable Elliott Lander from the Major Crime Team said the case had been a long and difficult process for the family, and thanked those who supported the investigation.

He added that police remain committed to securing justice for victims and their loved ones.