In a disturbing act of violence that took place in Crawley, a 19-year-old man has been sentenced to almost a decade behind bars after a brutal knife attack that left another young man seriously wounded.
On the evening of 11th November 2022, officers were called to the scene of a gruesome stabbing incident on Lansbury Road, Crawley. Upon their arrival, they found a 19-year-old victim who was known to his attacker, suffering from three deep wounds to his torso.
The attacker, identified as Cedric Perrine, also 19, of Petworth Court, Crawley, was accused of assaulting the young man during a confrontation in a car park. The victim was promptly transported to the hospital due to potentially fatal injuries incurred during the horrific incident.
Perrine, on the other hand, was quickly apprehended by police and charged with attempted murder, assault by beating and a racially aggravated public order offence. He was produced before Crawley Magistrates’ Court, where he was placed in custody pending trial.
The case was expertly handled by detectives from Crawley CID in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service, who prepared the case for crown court. Throughout the trial, Perrine pleaded guilty to the charge of wounding with intent. This plea was accepted by the crown and the victim as a substitute for the trio of charges initially levied against Perrine.
On 27th April, the assailant was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court to nine years and seven months’ imprisonment and was further ordered to pay a victim surcharge amounting to £228.
Detective Sergeant Mark Williams, of Crawley CID, spoke on the matter, stating, “The victim in this case could have easily lost his life, and in any case will be left with lasting mental and physical scars.”
He further emphasized the severity of the incident, saying, “This is a powerful example of the harm that knives can bring in a matter of seconds, and that will have an enormous impact on the lives of both victim and offender.”
