Three men have been jailed for a brutal assault where a teenage boy was deliberately rammed by a car, sent crashing through a garden fence, and stabbed while lying injured on the street in Haywards Heath.
The attack left the teen with life-changing injuries
The horrific attack took place on Sydney Road at 5.40pm on 28 July last year. The teenage victim suffered severe injuries after the trio in a Vauxhall Corsa targeted him while he was cycling. The driver slammed into the boy, smashing him through a garden fence and into street furniture. The men then jumped out and continued the assault, stabbing the boy in a shocking act of violence. They fled when bystanders confronted them.
Perpetrators jailed after court showdown
At Lewes Crown Court on 13 April, 24-year-olds Jack Ancell and Charlie Clark, plus 22-year-old Aiden Barber, admitted grievous bodily harm and carrying a knife in public. Sentences were handed down:
- Ancell (Heron Close, Sayers Common) – 7 years, plus 3 years extended licence for dangerousness
- Clark (Cuckfield Road, Hurstpierpoint) – 7 years
- Barber (Sycamore Drive, Burgess Hill) – 6 years 3 months
The court did not confirm who was behind the wheel during the attack.
Police slam ‘appalling’ violence
Mid Sussex district commander Chief Inspector Steve Turner blasted the attack as “appalling,” highlighting the use of a vehicle as a weapon that endangered not just the victim but other road users. He praised the public bravery that helped police pin down the criminals.
“These offenders used a car to recklessly attack a teenager then viciously continued the assault while he was helpless. This cowardly act warrants the sentences given today,” said Turner.
He urged locals to keep reporting crimes to help keep communities safe. A 20-year-old woman previously arrested is now cleared and faces no further action.
