Man Jailed For Attempted Grievous Assault On Man In Crawley

A man who carried out an unprovoked assault on a man returning home to Crawley has been jailed.

Dean Heron assaulted the victim on his driveway as he returned home from work.

The assault included Heron choking the victim and displaying a knife from his waistband.

At interview, the 38-year-old admitted he had been drunk at the time of the incident.

Neighbours called the police and Heron was arrested and taken into custody.

At Lewes Crown Court on 10 April, Heron admitted attempted grievous bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and possessing a knife in public.

He was jailed for three years and four months.

The court was told how the incident happened at about 7am on 9 July last year at Waterside Close in Bewbush.

Heron, of no fixed address, abused the victim who had returned to his home in his car following a night shift.

He struck the victim to the face and took out a knife during the struggle, and then choked the victim.

Speaking after the case, Crawley District Commander Chief Inspector Steven Turner said:

“This was a shocking incident that took place close to a primary school prior to the school run.

“It caused concern to residents, parents, children and the community, and officers arrived swiftly to safely detain Heron who was intoxicated.

“Heron’s assault was unprovoked and continues to impact the victim. His actions were not acceptable.

“We take reports of violence and knife crime extremely seriously, so we are pleased that a potentially dangerous offender is now serving a custodial sentence.”