A Darlington man who stabbed a man three times on a visit to Brighton has been jailed for seven years.
Brian Hamilton, 53, of Bolton Close in Darlington, was seen sprinting away from the scene in Bramble Way on the evening of September 29, 2020.
He had just stabbed a man he had only recently met – in the head, neck and upper back – in an unprovoked and seemingly motiveless attack.
His 32-year-old victim managed to flag down an off-duty police officer in Crowhurst Road, who called for assistance.
He was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries that had a life-changing impact.
Hamilton was swiftly identified as a suspect but fled the area, despite already being on conditional bail as part of an investigation in Darlington.
He was arrested in Paddington in August, 2021, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
After denying both charges he was found guilty by a jury and, on Friday, July 1 at Lewes Crown Court, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Detective Sergeant Stephanie Bell said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a man who Hamilton barely knew, leaving him with serious injuries – the effects of which he is still living with to this day.
“Hamilton then fled the area in attempt to avoid facing justice for his crime, but was taken into custody and finally put behind bars.
“This sentence should serve as a reminder that there is no safe haven for criminals and we will pursue you, with our partners in forces across the country, and bring you to justice.”
