Knife-Wielding Man Jailed After 12 Hours of Mayhem Across West Sussex
Armed Home Invasions and Assaults Shake Littlehampton and Storrington
A terrifying spree unfolded on January 3 when Zac Brazil, 26, went on a violent rampage across West Sussex for 12 hours. It all kicked off at 4:30 pm in Pengelly Gardens, Littlehampton, where police rushed to reports of a disturbance.
Brazil, armed with a knife, stormed into a home and threatened those inside. But the chaos didn’t stop there.
Second Break-In Ends in Assault and Vandalism
By 8 pm the same evening, Brazil forced his way into another house in Ravenscroft, Storrington. There, he attacked a woman with a knife, leaving minor injuries. In a cruel twist, he crushed her eyeglasses underfoot, causing deliberate damage.
Criminal Record, Illegal Driving and Drug Possession
- Homeless and 26 years old, Brazil was caught carrying cannabis when arrested.
- The day prior, he was nabbed driving without a licence or insurance.
He later admitted to a slew of charges: criminal damage, common assault, affray, carrying a knife, possession of a Class B drug, refusing a breath test, and driving while disqualified and uninsured.
Jail Time, Ban and Serious Violence Reduction Order
On February 12, Brazil appeared at Lewes Crown Court and was handed a hefty sentence: three and a half years behind bars, plus a five-year Serious Violence Reduction Order (SVRO). This powerful order lets police search him anytime, anywhere, for weapons over the next year.
He also faces a driving ban extended by 90 months.
“This is a deserved result for Brazil who caused distress to a number of victims,” said Detective Inspector Gary Jacobs.
“Not only the prison sentence, but the power of the SVRO is so important and I am proud of the team for securing yet another one. This shows our commitment to make sure dangerous and persistent offenders are taken off the streets.”
