Police have said a man is “fortunate to live to tell the tale” after he was stabbed in the neck during an unprovoked attack.

Sussex Police responded to the stabbing in Gossops Drive, Crawley, on the evening of March 11, 2022.

A 31-year-old local man sustained a knife wound to the neck and was taken to hospital for emergency surgery.

Callum Steer, of Rosedale Close, Crawley, was arrested the next morning after witness statements were gathered and officers trawled through CCTV.

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He remained silent throughout police interviews and offered no explanation or defence to the allegations. He was subsequently charged with committing grievous bodily harm.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment – consisting of six years in custody plus two years on licence – at Lewes Crown Court on June 28.

Detective Sergeant Phil Weston-Smith, of coastal CID, said: “While the reason for Steer’s actions are unknown, it is clear that he inflicted a serious injury on his victim, who is fortunate to live to tell the tale."

Investigating officer, PC James Reilly, added: “Thanks to the bravery and support of the victim and his family, we were able to secure the evidence needed to arrest and charge Steer, and present the case to the Crown Prosecution Service.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to urge others to come forward if you have been a victim or witness to a crime. We will listen to you and we will seek to get justice against those who cause serious harm on the streets of Sussex.”