Thug jailed for brutal supermarket attacks on shoppers
Mask row sparks violent trolley attack
Levant Hassan has been locked up for 18 months after seriously injuring two shoppers in separate savage attacks at Brighton Marina’s Asda. The violence kicked off on October 9, 2020, when Hassan refused to wear a mask during the Coronavirus pandemic. When another customer challenged him, Hassan responded by ramming a trolley into the man’s leg.
After causing bruising and pain, Hassan violently pushed the trolley into the victim again, breaking bones in his foot. He then tried to punch the man, who dodged the blow, before storming out of the store.
Car park clash ends in a savage punch
Just two months later, Hassan struck again. After bumping shoulders with another shopper in the car park on December 6, the pair exchanged words. Hassan then tracked the man down inside the store and suggested taking the quarrel outside.
The victim declined, saying he was just there to shop. Without warning, Hassan punched him in the face, knocking him unconscious. The man suffered a broken ankle and was left unable to work for months.
Repeat offender finally brought to justice
Hassan, 36, of Percival Terrace, Brighton, was arrested following police enquiries. Charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm, he pleaded guilty to the first charge and was found guilty of the second by a jury. He was sentenced to two consecutive nine-month terms at Lewes Crown Court on February 16, with Judge Gold KC noting Hassan’s shocking 18 previous convictions.
Police speak out on violent spree
“These were the actions of a man who habitually loses his temper and resorts to violence, with no concern for the members of public who were seriously injured in these separate incidents,” said investigating officer Rose Horan.
“The attacks happened in a busy supermarket in broad daylight, witnessed by many shoppers just going about their daily business. Thanks to the public who provided statements and footage, we were able to identify and convict this dangerous individual.”
