Extended Sentence For Man Who Stabbed 15-Year-Old Eastbourne Boy

A man who stabbed a 15-year-old boy in Eastbourne has been given an extended sentence of 11-and-a-half years.

Joseph Heavey, 32, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 2 September having been convicted in August 2021 of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The incident happened in Seaside Eastbourne on January 11, 2021.

Police say the victim had been visiting a friend who lived in the same building as Heavey when the two became involved in an argument inside the property.

The victim ran from the address, followed by Heavey, and the disagreement continued on the street outside.

CCTV footage shows Heavey going back inside the building and returning outside with a knife, which he used to stab the victim in the arm, causing a serious wound.

The victim managed to get away and was found by police on patrol just moments later.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for treatment, which included surgery.

Heavey, who had returned to the address and tried to hide the knife in the oven, was arrested. He was later charged and pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent.

He was convicted by a jury after trial and sentenced to eight years and six months in prison with a further three years on extended licence.

Heavey, unemployed, of Old London Road in Hastings, was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190.

Investigating officer DC Glen Saunders said:

“Heavey showed extreme levels of violence to inflict a serious injury on a boy who was aged just 15 at the time. He hasn’t accepted responsibility for his actions at any stage, despite hearing the distressing impact the assault continues to have on his victim.

“The victim is 17 years old now and should be out enjoying life with his friends. Instead, he struggles daily to overcome the physical and emotional trauma caused by this incident.

“This was an attack that happened in broad daylight on a busy street in Eastbourne, and I know it also caused concern among the local community at the time.

“I hope this result reassures people that knife crime is taken incredibly seriously by police and the courts, and those who choose to carry and use a weapon will face lengthy sentences as a result.

“We’re pleased to see the judge reflect the seriousness of this offence by handing Heavey an extended 11-and-a-half year sentence.”

You can report knife crime online or by calling 101. In an emergency always call 999.

To report knife crime anonymously go to https://www.fearless.org/en/give-info.