Father and Two Sons Convicted Following Violent Pub Attack in Worthing

A father and his two adult sons have been convicted after a brutal alcohol-fuelled assault at a popular pub in West Sussex.

On the evening of 23 July 2024, 58-year-old Derek Cook, along with his sons Jason Cook (35) and Matthew Cook (36), engaged in a violent confrontation with a group of customers in the outdoor seating area at the The Smugglers Return on Ham Road, Worthing.

According to the prosecution, the incident escalated rapidly. Derek attempted to punch one of the individuals, while Jason picked up an umbrella base and hurled it at another group. He also threw several glasses, which smashed on the floor. At one point Derek struck a female member of the group over the head with an umbrella pole, then jabbed it into her body, causing significant bruising.

Matthew later cycled away from the scene but returned wielding a large knife. He attacked the group, who were trapped in a wooden booth, inflicting wounds to at least three people’s arms as they tried to escape. The woman hit with the umbrella pole was taken to hospital as a precaution.

All three men were subsequently arrested: Derek and Jason outside the pub, and Matthew following his flight from the scene.

The sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court on 23 October. Derek Cook pleaded guilty to affray and actual bodily harm, receiving a 14-month prison sentence. Jason Cook pleaded guilty to affray and was given a 16-month sentence suspended for two years, along with an alcohol abstinence requirement monitored for 120 days. Matthew Cook pleaded guilty to affray, possession of a bladed article in public and two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent—and was sentenced to five-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.

In addition, all three defendants have been issued with restraining orders prohibiting them from contacting or attempting to contact any of the victims, or attending The Smugglers Return, until further notice.

A spokesperson for the Sussex Police, Det Constable Rick Brown, said: “This was a shocking, alcohol-fuelled attack which caused a significant amount of distress, not just to the group of victims and other innocent customers, but also to the wider community. The level of violence and aggression expressed by the three defendants was absolutely appalling, and I welcome the sentences imposed by the court.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for routine socialising to spiral into violence—and underlines the responsibility of individuals to maintain self-control, even in relaxed settings such as pub gardens.