Man Gets Nine-Month Suspended Sentence for Shocking Antisemitic Assault in Sussex
A 44-year-old man has escaped jail but received a tough suspended sentence after punching a woman twice in the face in a disturbing antisemitic attack in Shoreham, Sussex.
Market Stall Row Erupts Into Violent Hate Crime
Romilly Hudson’s shocking assault happened in January 2025 following a tense confrontation at a market stall connected to the Gaza conflict. The victim approached peacefully, hoping for a calm discussion, but Hudson erupted in racist abuse before landing two brutal punches.
The victim suffered bruising to her eye, ear, and cheek in the unprovoked attack.
Sentence Increased Over Hate Crime Element
Hudson initially admitted racially aggravated assault and harassment in October 2025. But on 16 March 2026, Worthing Magistrates’ Court upped his sentence from eight to nine months, suspended for 18 months, acknowledging the hate crime severity.
- £120 fine (raised from £80)
- One-year restraining order
Prosecutors Slam Antisemitic Violence
“The victim in this case wanted to have a reasoned and peaceful discussion with people, but Romilly Hudson did not want anything of the sort,” said Kris Venkatasami, Chief Crown Prosecutor.
“Instead, he shouted a stream of highly charged and incendiary racist abuse at her, before launching an unprovoked attack and punching her in the face.
No one should be subjected to violence and abuse, based on their race. That is unacceptable and the Crown Prosecution Service is clear – antisemitism has no place in our society.”
The CPS reaffirmed its zero tolerance for religious and racial hate crimes targeting communities across the UK.
