Brighton Man Jailed for Brutal Glass Attack on Female Friend
A 26-year-old man from Brighton has been locked up for five years after a vicious assault left a female friend with life-changing injuries.
Drink, Drugs and a Violent Outburst
Lewis Hilton spent the night of July 16, 2022, partying and bingeing on cocaine and booze around Brighton. At around 3 am, on Baker Street, chaos erupted when a female friend decided to leave. Hilton, upset at her departure, tried to stop her.
As she got into the car, Hilton hurled alcohol from his pint over her. Then he smashed the glass in her face, causing horrific injuries.
Severe Injuries and Life-Shattering Consequences
- Deep cut on forehead
- Fractured skull
- Two brain haemorrhages
The victim, just 24, required hospital treatment and now bears permanent scars—both physical and emotional.
Justice Served: Five Years Behind Bars
Hilton was arrested days later and charged with causing grievous bodily harm. In August 2023, he was found guilty and given a five-year jail sentence along with a five-year restraining order.
“Since the incident, my life has changed completely. Lewis Hilton and I were friends for at least six years and usually got on well. After he threw the glass at me, I felt completely betrayed. My physical and mental health has altered drastically because of the injuries.”
“One of the biggest changes is my memory—I have very poor recall and struggle to process new information. When I look in the mirror, the scar shocks me. I’m not myself anymore; my life is ruined.”
Detective Sergeant Josh Bellamy said:
“Hilton has rightly been convicted and imprisoned for this horrendous assault on someone he once called a friend. He tried to blame his actions on alcohol and cocaine but is fully responsible.
The victim will carry permanent scars as a reminder of that night. Despite the severe injuries he caused, Hilton still claims he’s not responsible.”
During sentencing, the victim’s mother described her daughter as “a shadow of her former self”.
Judge Widdecour told Hilton:
“This young woman’s life is irreversibly damaged. Her driving licence has been revoked and it’s unlikely she’ll ever hold down a job. She was once sociable but that’s changed too—all because of your drunken, drug-fuelled rampage.”
