A long-running court battle over the deadly stabbing of 25-year-old Harrison Tomkins has finally ended. Jason Curtis has been found guilty of manslaughter following a high-profile retrial.
Tragic Early Morning Attack
Tomkins, a lifeguard, was fatally stabbed multiple times at flats on Arthur Road in Crawley in the early hours of 13 August 2023. Paramedics rushed to the scene around 5:30am but could not save him. The victim’s family described the killing as “senseless” and “catastrophic”, mourning the loss of a kind man devoted to helping others in education, prison service, and as a lifeguard.
Birthday Bash Turns Deadly
The court heard Curtis, 24, from London, and co-defendant Kaydon Prior, 25, of Crawley, had been celebrating Curtis’s birthday in Chelsea before heading back to Crawley. They discovered Prior’s ex-girlfriend was out with Tomkins, sparking the deadly confrontation.
- CCTV footage tracked the two men outside a local venue and then to the Arthur Road flats.
- Prior briefly returned home before being forced entry into the flat moments before the stabbing.
- Curtis was caught hiding nearby, while Prior was arrested at home.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Lewes Crown Court sentenced Curtis to nine years for manslaughter on 20 March. He had originally been convicted of murder and jailed for 22 years before appealing successfully to reduce his charge.
Prior is serving 28 years after being convicted of murder, weapon possession, and assault. The judge noted Curtis showed little remorse despite having time to reflect.
Detective Constable Elliott Lander called the investigation “long and arduous” and expressed hope the verdict offers some closure to Tomkins’ family. He also praised the professionalism of the police and court staff involved.
The case drew significant local attention, highlighting the serious efforts needed to bring the culprits to justice.
