A Hastings man has received an extended eight-year sentence for a violent attack on a pensioner, following his conviction on multiple charges. The sentencing was delivered at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, November 26.
Joseph Charlott, 22, of Deepdene Gardens, Hastings, was found guilty of four offences after a three-day trial that concluded on October 3. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with an additional three years on extended licence, for causing grievous bodily harm with intent, assaulting an emergency worker, possession of an offensive weapon, and criminal damage.
Brutal Motorhome Assault
The charges stem from a violent incident on May 12, 2023, in Malvern Way, Hastings. Temporary Detective Sergeant Jake O’Reilly recounted the harrowing details:
“Sussex Police were alerted to a violent assault on Malvern Way, Hastings, that had left a 77-year-old man in hospital facing serious injuries, including a fractured shoulder blade, fractured ribs and a fractured chest bone.”
The investigation revealed that Charlott had used a knuckleduster to smash into the pensioner’s motorhome. When confronted by the 77-year-old owner, who dialed 999, Charlott launched into a vicious attack, knocking the man to the ground and kicking him repeatedly while he was defenceless.
History of Violence
Charlott’s criminal record already included spitting at a police officer and possession of a knuckleduster just a day before the motorhome attack. After the May assault, he evaded authorities for three months before being apprehended in August 2023.
“When he was finally located by officers, he jumped out of a second-story window and violently fought off three officers,” added TDS O’Reilly.
His violent resistance underscored his danger to the public, prompting the court to impose an extended sentence.
Community Praised for Efforts
Speaking on the case, TDS O’Reilly commended the collaborative efforts that brought Charlott to justice:
“This level of violence against a vulnerable member of the public protecting his property and then on police officers performing their lawful duty is indefensible. I’m glad to see that, on hearing the evidence, the jury convicted Charlott and HHJ Gold KC has now given him an extended sentence due to his dangerous nature.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many teams across Sussex Police who worked tirelessly to investigate, locate, arrest and charge Charlott, and I hope his sentence will offer some closure for the victims.”
Charlott’s sentence reflects the severity of his actions and sends a strong message about the consequences of such violent behavior.
