In a tragic incident that shook the local community, two men have been sentenced to a combined 50 years in prison for the murder of 25-year-old Harrison Tomkins. The young lifeguard from Crawley suffered multiple stab wounds in an attack at a block of flats on Arthur Road around 5:30 AM on Sunday, August 13 last year.
Responding quickly to the scene, police and paramedics attempted emergency first aid, but despite their efforts, Tomkins succumbed to his injuries. The brutal attack occurred following a dispute that escalated violently, resulting in his untimely death.
The culprits, Kaydon Prior, 23, of Hazelwick Avenue, Crawley, received a 28-year sentence, while Jason Curtis, 22, of Lairdale Road, Lambeth, London, was sentenced to 22 years. Both were convicted of murder in February after a four-week trial at Brighton Crown Court.
In addition to the murder charges, both men were found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon. Prior was also convicted of common assault. The court learned that the incident stemmed from a personal grievance: Prior had discovered his ex-girlfriend in the company of another man—Harrison Tomkins—spurring a violent reaction.
The prosecution detailed how Prior and Curtis, initially out celebrating in London, returned to Crawley with intent. After spotting Tomkins with Prior’s ex-girlfriend, Prior briefly left to retrieve a key and a knife, returning to carry out the fatal attack. Curtis was captured hiding in nearby bushes shortly after the attack, while Prior was arrested at his home.
During his arrest, Curtis shockingly inquired, “Who’s been murdered? I’ve been on a night out as it’s my birthday,” revealing a chilling disconnect from the gravity of their actions.
At the sentencing, Tomkins’ mother, Natasha, expressed her profound grief through a victim impact statement, describing the irreversible pain and loss the family is enduring: “Personally, my life will never be the same again… The physical pain I experience every day is actually indescribable… We were robbed of the future of our son, a future we all wanted to witness and share.”
Following the sentencing, the Tomkins family expressed their gratitude towards the Crown Prosecution Service, Sussex Police, and their liaison officers for their support during the grueling months leading to this resolution, stating, “Today we receive justice for our Harrison.”
Detective Police Constable Elliott Lander, and Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers both remarked on the senseless nature of the crime and their commitment to supporting the victim’s family through this harrowing time. “Harrison was killed in a frenzied attack that he had no chance to defend himself from,” said Lander, emphasizing the brutal reality of the incident. Vickers added, “This was a horrendous and unproved attack on a young man who had simply been on a night out enjoying himself.”
