Teen Thugs Left Dad Brain-Damaged After Easter Park Attack
Brutal Easter Sunday Assault
Alan Willson, 47, was viciously attacked by three teenage males in Longcroft Park at about 7:30pm on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. The savage assault left Alan with devastating brain injuries. More than a year on, he still can’t speak.
Youth Attackers Convicted After 14-Day Trial
The trio – aged 13, 14, and 17 – were arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. All denied the charges. But after a 14-day trial at Hove Crown Court, a jury found 14-year-old George Tilley and 16-year-old Archie Tilley guilty. Harry Furlong, 18, was cleared of the intent charge but found guilty of grievous bodily harm without intent.
Sentences Handed Down
- George Tilley, 14, and Archie Tilley, 16, branded dangerous offenders, got up to nine years in prison plus three years probation.
- Harry Furlong was sentenced to 20 months, with half served in custody and half on licence. He is not considered dangerous.
Following media requests, the judge lifted anonymity for the two younger convicts.
Heartbreaking Impact on Victim’s Family
“On Easter Sunday you destroyed my family and broke us beyond repair,” said Alan’s wife, Annie Willson, in a powerful victim statement. “You took a husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and uncle from us.”
She described Alan as “a gentleman who would help anyone without hesitation,” before the attackers beat him unconscious and left him bleeding in the park.
“Alan can’t speak, play with his children, work or control his body. He has no vision in one eye, hearing and dental problems and needs help with basic hygiene. He’s trapped in a body he doesn’t understand,” she added.
“No sentence will ever be long enough. Alan, me, and my family are serving a life sentence.”
