Man unable to return to work following substance attack in Eastbourne

Tommy Powell has limited vision in his right eye after the assault outside the bar he works at in Eastbourne. 

The 26-year-old was standing outside Bar Blue in Pevensey Road in February when the substance was thrown into his face. It is not known exactly what it was.

Tommy sustained severe injuries to his corneas and needed daily hospital appointments in the weeks that followed.

He was told the lacerations in his left eye were improving but there is damage to the stem cells which may mean surgery is required.

Tommy's right eye following the attack

Julia Wakelin, who works with Tommy at the bar, witnessed the attack and tried to help him. 

Julia, 23, told The Argus: “He’s still essentially blind in one eye. He’s being seen by East Grinstead hospital now and they have a specialist unit, I believe. 

“They want to exhaust every possible non-surgical option before they refer him to surgery in order to reduce the risk. 

“There has not been much improvement on that front, unfortunately.”

Julia said that Tommy has not yet returned to work following the horrific ordeal. 

She said: “I don’t think he’ll be able to return to work for a while, there’s a lot of mental trauma that he still has to process. 

“It’s made going out quite hard. He’s receiving the help he needs with that though.” 

Tommy following the attack

Julia said that lack of justice for Tommy so far has been “disappointing”.

Police have recently renewed their appeal to find local man Bradley Moynes who is wanted in connection with the incident.  

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “If you know where Bradley Moynes could be or have any information about the incident, please report it online, or call 101 quoting serial 1393 of 11/02."

Bradley Moynes

Julia has set up a GoFundMe page to help Tommy while he is off work and it has raised over £4,000 so far.

To donate: www.gofundme.com/f/m95pk-tommys-recovery-fund