Man Sentenced Following Eastbourne Stabbing

A man from Eastbourne has been jailed for 32 years after a knife attack that left another man with serious injuries.

Emergency services were called to Hazelwood Avenue, Eastbourne, at around 1.25pm on Sunday, 9 February, following reports that a man had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Officers arrived to find a 57-year-old man with serious injuries to his head, neck and torso. He was taken to hospital for urgent treatment.

The court heard how the victim was attacked outside his own home following an ongoing dispute with the defendant.

David Clarke, 59, from Eastbourne, was arrested shortly afterwards, after being spotted by officers driving erratically.

He was subsequently charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article and dangerous driving.

Following a trial at Hove Crown Court which concluded on August 1, Clarke was found guilty of attempted murder.

He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing. On January 8, Clarke appeared at Hove Crown Court where he was sentenced to 32 years in prison.

Detective Constable Chris Smith, from Eastbourne Investigations Team, said:

“Clarke has now been jailed for this violent and frenzied attack which left the victim with serious injuries. This sentence reflects the gravity of his actions.

"Thanks to the swift response of emergency services and the courage of the victim, we were able to bring Clarke to justice.

“We hope this sentence provides reassurance to the local community that acts of such violence will not be tolerated”.