Joel Elliott, 34, of Springfield Road in Brighton, has been sentenced to over a decade in prison following two violent incidents in Brighton last October. Elliott appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, May 10, where he pleaded guilty to the crimes.
The first incident occurred on October 9 in the early hours of the morning on Trafalgar Street, Brighton. Elliott aggressively charged towards a man while holding a knife, threatening and slashing at the victim, causing multiple injuries. He then forcefully took the victim’s backpack, which contained a wallet and other personal possessions.
Less than two weeks later, on October 22, a woman reported to the police that Elliott had attacked her at a Brighton address. He attempted to strangle her and threatened her by holding a knife to her throat. His behaviour was described as intimidating, controlling, and threatening.
Elliott was arrested on October 22 in relation to these allegations and charged the following day. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges including grievous bodily harm, robbery, possession of a knife in a public place, rape, threats to kill, assault, threats with a knife in a private dwelling, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, and suffocation.
Elliott appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on October 24, where he was remanded into custody. At his plea hearings, Elliott pleaded guilty to charges of robbery, possession of a knife in a public place, threats with a knife in a private dwelling, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, and suffocation. The prosecutor ordered that the rape charge should lie on file.
On May 10, Elliott was sentenced to a total of 10 years and six months in prison. His Honour Judge Mooney commented during sentencing:
“You have an appalling record. It is purely luck which has so far prevented you from causing a death. The sentence that I am imposing is intended to protect the public and to ensure that you are not released until your attitude to the carrying of knives has changed.”
Detective Sergeant Victoria Thornton-Green highlighted the significance of removing Elliott from the streets:
“A man with complete disregard for the law, who is a danger to the community and who maliciously assaulted people simply because he felt he could, has been removed from the streets, which as a direct result are now a safer place.
“On October 9, 2023, the public came to the aid of the victim, who suffered multiple injuries as a result of Elliott’s violent assault. On behalf of the victim, and Sussex Police as a whole, I would like to thank those who assisted, and also those who have helped our wider enquiries that have led us to this result.
“This outcome was made possible through the collaborative efforts of multiple departments within Sussex Police, all of whom worked tirelessly to ensure a thorough investigation and to secure justice for the victims, allowing them to begin their recovery and move forward with their lives.”
