Bognor Regis man jailed after 'unprovoked assault' with bottle
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Sammy Stockford, 34, a labourer, of Canada Grove, Bognor, denied wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent but was found guilty after a trial in May.
"On Wednesday (August 25), he was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment for the unprovoked assault," a spokesperson for Sussex Police said.
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Hide AdStockford had been visiting a friend in Hastings on September 28, 2020 when the pair decided to go out drinking in the town centre, police said.
The victim was also in town with a woman who knew Stockford's friend, and the group ended up talking with each other.
Police said that, later in the evening, the victim overheard a conversation involving Stockford and challenged him as he 'found the content offensive'.
After a brief verbal altercation, the victim left the bar and walked down Middle Street.
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Hide Ad"However, Stockford followed him and without warning, hit him in the face with a bottle," police added.
"The victim suffered a deep cut above his eyebrow, requiring hospital treatment."
Police officers were called and arrested Stockford after he was identified by the victim's friend. He was found with blood on his t-shirt, which he had turned inside out in a 'suspected attempt to hide the stains'.
Officers recovered a broken glass bottle on Middle Street which matched the brand of alcohol Stockford had been drinking that evening.
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Hide AdPolice said Stockford claimed in an interview that he had punched the victim in self-defence and denied a bottle had been used.
Nevertheless, he was convicted on May 21 by a majority jury of 10 to two. As well as an 18-month sentence, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £156, police said.
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