Father and Son Duo Jailed After Axe Attack Outside Woman’s Home
Richard Chapman Senior and Richard Chapman Junior were involved in a shocking axe attack outside a woman’s property in Three Bridges. The violent assault followed a petrol station row in Balcombe Road, Balcombe, where the pair confronted a man before chasing his vehicle home.
Hooded Thugs Launch Brutal Assault with Weapons
The two Chapmans, joined by a third unidentified hooded man, viciously attacked the woman outside her house carrying weapons including an axe. The terrifying incident happened at 10.30am on July 2, 2021.
“This was a highly distressing incident carried out by a group of three hooded men carrying weapons,” said DC Jenny Balmont from Crawley CID. “The victim was left with injuries and in fear of her life. We are pleased that Richard Chapman Senior and Junior have been brought to justice.”
Justice Served After Manhunt
- Chapman Senior, 58, from Smallfield, was arrested days after the attack on July 5, 2021. He pled guilty and was sentenced to eight years in prison with an additional four years on licence.
- Chapman Junior, 31, was on the run until caught by the Specialist Enforcement Unit on August 23, 2022. He received four and a half years behind bars.
Both men were charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in public. The courts slapped ten-year restraining orders banning contact with the victim and another member of her family.
DC Balmont added: “This conviction shows our commitment to removing dangerous offenders from the streets to stop them causing further harm.”
