Two young men have been sentenced to jail after a brutal, unprovoked assault on a family at a Domino’s Pizza in Heathfield’s High Street. The victims were enjoying their meal when a group of individuals outside the restaurant threw an egg at them. Upon confronting the assailants, the 53-year-old step-father was knocked unconscious, repeatedly punched and kicked, resulting in a fractured skull.
In an effort to help, the step-son was also attacked, suffering injuries to his eye. Authorities identified several suspects, with the Crown Prosecution Service authorizing grievous bodily harm (GBH) charges against Joshua Moody, 20, and Anthony Hayward, 21.
At the time of the November 2019 attack, both defendants were under 18. Detective Constable Jon Moore, of Eastbourne CID, emphasized the lasting impact of the assault on the family, who had simply been trying to enjoy a meal together.
Moody, identified as the ringleader, denied the charges and faced trial, while Hayward pleaded guilty. A jury found Moody guilty, and he received a four-year prison sentence on April 21 at Hove Crown Court. Hayward, credited for his early guilty plea, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment on the same day.
DC Moore noted that if Moody had been an adult at the time, his sentence would have been much harsher. Police continue to collaborate with partners and the local community to address antisocial behavior in the area.
