A concerned neighbour called the police and went to help an injured woman in distress in Baden Road, Brighton, shortly after 7.30am on September 26 last year.
Officers from Sussex Police’s Tactical Firearms Unit (TFU) and divisional officers from Brighton and Hove responded rapidly and arrested 56-year-old David Keville, AKA David Alexander, at the scene.
They also supported the victim, who was taken to hospital with injuries that were not deemed life-threatening.
Following a thorough investigation by officers from Brighton Safeguarding Investigations Unit (SIU), Keville was charged with wounding with intent, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act.
At Chichester Crown Court on March 10 he stood trial and was found not guilty by a jury of wounding with intent, but he was found guilty of wounding without intent contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act.
Keville, of Baden Road, Brighton, also pleaded guilty to the production of a class B drug in relation to a quantity of cannabis found by officers.
He was sentenced to two years in prison for the assault and no separate penalty was imposed for the drug offence.
The court was told how he had used a weapon, believed to be a paring knife, to cause the victim’s wound.
Detective Constable Beth Griffiths, investigating, said: “This incident left the victim in fear for her life.
“This case demonstrates the rapid response of our frontline officers and the courage of the neighbour who went to help the victim.
“They were all given commendations by the court for their bravery and compassion.
“The outcome of this case also shows the dedicated work of our team to secure justice for the victim and to ensure a dangerous offender was taken off our streets to keep our community safe.”
