Quick-thinking passers-by chased and caught an attacker who targeted a homeless man. Shaun Brown, 36, wounded his victim by stabbing him with a bottle in an unprovoked assault.
Police said Brown struck the unnamed 43-year-old man with a clear bottle twice, causing it to smash. He then used the broken bottle to stab his victim in the side of the head, leaving him with severe wounds.
Brown fled the scene but was pursued and detained by members of the public. They held him until police arrived.
The incident happened outside a shop in Worthing, West Sussex, last October. Unemployed Brown, of Worthing, was arrested and charged with committing grievous bodily harm.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years – consisting of four years’ imprisonment and three years on licence – at Lewes Crown Court last month.
Det Con Lynnette Atkins said: “This was a shocking attack on a homeless man in the centre of town on a busy Saturday afternoon, and was witnessed by many. Thankfully, the defendant was swiftly detained by a number of quick-thinking members of public, and I’d like to thank them for their actions.
“I’d like to reassure the public that this sort of behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated, and we will do everything within our powers to deal with offenders robustly and bring them to justice.”
