Hastings Man Locked Up for Brutal Pensioner Attack
A Hastings man has been slammed with a hefty eight-year sentence for a vicious assault on a 77-year-old pensioner. The sentence was handed down at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, November 26, following Joseph Charlott’s conviction on multiple charges.
Violent May Attack on Pensioner’s Motorhome
Joseph Charlott, 22, from Deepdene Gardens, Hastings, was found guilty after a three-day trial that ended on October 3. He received five years behind bars, plus three years on extended licence, for causing grievous bodily harm with intent, assaulting an emergency worker, possessing an offensive weapon, and criminal damage.
The vicious attack happened on May 12, 2023, in Malvern Way, Hastings. Temporary Detective Sergeant Jake O’Reilly revealed the grim details:
“Sussex Police were alerted to a violent assault on Malvern Way, Hastings, that left a 77-year-old man hospitalised with serious injuries including a fractured shoulder blade, ribs, and chest bone.”
Investigators found Charlott had used a knuckleduster to smash the pensioner’s motorhome. When the victim called 999 after confronting Charlott, the thug launched a savage attack, knocking the man down and kicking him repeatedly while he was defenceless.
Repeat Offender with Violent Past
Charlott was no stranger to trouble. Just a day before the motorhome attack, he had been caught with a knuckleduster and even spat at a police officer. After the May assault, he went on the run for three months before being arrested in August.
“When officers finally tracked him down, he jumped from a second-story window and violently fought three officers,” added TDS O’Reilly.
His violent resistance convinced the court he posed a serious danger to the public, prompting the extended sentence.
Police Praise Team Efforts and Justice Served
Speaking after the verdict, TDS O’Reilly praised the hard work behind Charlott’s conviction:
“This level of violence against a vulnerable member of the public protecting his property, and then on police officers doing their job, is utterly unforgivable. I’m glad the jury saw through this and the judge handed down a tough extended sentence due to Charlott’s dangerous nature.
I want to thank all the Sussex Police teams who tirelessly investigated, located, arrested, and charged Charlott. I hope this sentence brings some closure to the victims.”
Charlott’s tough sentence sends a clear warning—violent crime will be met with serious jail time.
