A man from Brighton has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of wounding with intent.
Anthony Grist, 46, of Margaret Street, was found guilty following a six-day trial at Lewes Crown Court, which began on Monday, December 12. He was sentenced on Monday, December 19, after the jury delivered a unanimous verdict.
Grist assaulted a 34-year-old man on Beaconsfield Road just before midnight on Friday, May 20 of this year as the man walked home from band practice.
The victim sustained serious lacerations to his head and legs which required surgery. He has since recovered.
Initial enquiries took place, extensively around house-to-house visits and CCTV gathering, which led to Grist being quickly identified and arrested during the early hours of Saturday, May 21. He was released on conditional bail whilst the investigation continued.
Forensic checks were completed on a blood-stained jacket and boots he was wearing on the night of the assault, which linked him to the victim’s DNA.
Grist pleaded not guilty, and his trial began on Monday, December 12 at Lewes Crown Court.
The jury deliberated for four hours and found Grist guilty, and an immediate custodial sentence was handed down by His Honour Judge Mercer.
Crime investigator Rose Horan commented on the investigation, saying: “This was an unprovoked attack which the victim described as “savage”. Anthony Grist repeatedly kicked and stamped on the victim while he lay on the ground defenceless. As His Honour Judge Mercer handed down sentence, he told Grist that the attack was brutal and that had it continued for much longer it could have been a murder. I would like to praise the bravery and determination of the victim in this case as well as the members of public who stepped in to help him, raised the alarm and attended court to give evidence.
“I’d also like to thank my colleagues for delivering a thorough and robust response on the night which ensured this violent offender was swiftly identified. He is now removed from our streets.”
