Man jailed for unprovoked stabbing in Brighton

Brian Hamilton stabbed a man he had recently met in the head, neck and upper back in Brighton, in September 2020.

The 53-year-old was seen sprinting away from the scene in Brambled Way after stabbing the man three times.

His 32-year-old victim managed to flag down an off-duty police officer in Crowhurst Road, who called for assistance.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries that had a life-changing impact, police said.

Hamilton was identified as a suspect but fled the area, despite already being on conditional bail as part of an investigation in Darlington.

Brian Hamilton, of Bolton Close in Darlington

He was arrested in Paddington in August 2021, and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

After denying both charges, he was found guilty by a jury.

At Lewes Crown Court, Hamilton, of Bolton Close in Darlington, was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Detective Sergeant Stephanie Bell said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a man who Hamilton barely knew, leaving him with serious injuries – the effects of which he is still living with to this day.

“Hamilton then fled the area in attempt to avoid facing justice for his crime, but was taken into custody and finally put behind bars.

“This sentence should serve as a reminder that there is no safe haven for criminals, and we will pursue you, with our partners in forces across the country, and bring you to justice.”