Rustington man jailed after unprovoked attack on neighbour

David Graham stabbed his downstairs neighbour in the chest on November 2 last year after their relationship had deteriorated.

The man, also aged 66, was cleaning paint brushes outside the address in Elm Place, Rustington, when Graham approached him and stabbed him. 

As his neighbour then attempted to run away, Graham stabbed him again in the back.

Graham fled the scene and the man was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery after his wife called 999.

David Graham

After evading police for two days, Graham was found at another address in the village and arrested two days later.

He lived in the flat above the man he stabbed. They had initially been on good terms, but the relationship deteriorated over a period of time.

In a police interview he declined to give an account for his actions and replied “no comment” to most questions put to him.

Graham pleaded guilty to committing grievous bodily harm with intent at a previous hearing, and at Lewes Crown Court on April 12 he was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Charlotte Carter, said: “This was an unprovoked attack in which Graham intentionally wounded his neighbour and left him for dead.

“Fortunately, the victim’s wife dialled 999 immediately, which ensured he was able to get the emergency treatment he needed to survive.

“It goes without saying that using a weapon such as a knife can lead to devastating consequences, and that’s why we continue to work with partners across the force to provide education and enforcement.”