Haywards Heath Death: Manslaughter Charge Withdrawn

Sussex Police have today confirmed that a manslaughter charge linked to a recent death in Haywards Heath has been withdrawn following a detailed review of the case. Background to the Incident In late December 2025, emergency services responded to reports of an assault at The Heath Tavern, a public house on Sussex Road in Haywards […]

Sussex Police have today confirmed that a manslaughter charge linked to a recent death in Haywards Heath has been withdrawn following a detailed review of the case.

Background to the Incident

In late December 2025, emergency services responded to reports of an assault at The Heath Tavern, a public house on Sussex Road in Haywards Heath. A 63-year-old man was found seriously injured and taken to hospital, where he later died.

A 36-year-old local man was initially arrested at the scene and charged with manslaughter. He was remanded to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court, with the case set to progress to Crown Court later in January.

Withdrawal of Charges

On 21 January 2026, Sussex Police announced that, after a thorough review of the evidence alongside the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the manslaughter charge has been withdrawn. The suspect now faces no further police action in connection with this matter.

Superintendent Imran Asghar stated that the decision followed careful consideration of the investigation and concluded that there was no reasonable prospect of conviction. He also emphasised that officers kept all parties informed throughout and expressed continued sympathy for those affected by this tragic event.

What This Means

• The individual previously charged is now cleared of criminal allegations connected to the death.
• There is no ongoing prosecution in this case under current police action.
• Sussex Police remain committed to supporting the community and keeping everyone informed.

Community Context

Incidents involving sudden deaths and serious assaults naturally raise concern locally. Sussex Police encourage witnesses and members of the public to come forward with any information that could help them during investigations.