Gary Barney, 49, from Peacehaven, has been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for a brutal assault on an elderly man and for seriously injuring a woman who attempted to intervene. The incident occurred on July 3, 2023, when Barney forcefully entered a residence on Sutton Avenue.
Inside, he launched a severe and prolonged attack on a 78-year-old man, causing significant head and body injuries. A 45-year-old woman present at the scene tried to contact the police but was violently attacked by Barney, resulting in serious injuries.
Barney persisted in his assault on the elderly man before fleeing. The victims managed to alert the police, leading to Barney’s arrest shortly after the incident. He faced charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempting the same, to which he was found guilty.
The sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on January 12 also included a previous conviction for assaulting a police officer on August 7, 2022.
Detective Constable Marcos Miranda de la Fuente said: “Gary Barney is a violent offender, who indiscriminately assaulted an elderly man and a woman in what was a prolonged attack.
“Violence of any kind will not be tolerated in Sussex, which includes assaults on our officers as they go about their duties to protect the public.
“This custodial sentence has put a dangerous criminal behind bars, which I hope provides some measure of closure for his victims.”
