Man jailed for 32 years following Eastbourne stabbing

A man from Eastbourne has been jailed for 32 years after carrying out a brutal stabbing that left another man with life-changing injuries. Emergency services were called to Hazelwood Avenue, Eastbourne, shortly after 1.25pm on Sunday 9 February, following reports that a man had been stabbed. Officers arrived to find a 57-year-old man suffering serious […]

A man from Eastbourne has been jailed for 32 years after carrying out a brutal stabbing that left another man with life-changing injuries.

Emergency services were called to Hazelwood Avenue, Eastbourne, shortly after 1.25pm on Sunday 9 February, following reports that a man had been stabbed.

Officers arrived to find a 57-year-old man suffering serious injuries to his head, neck and torso. He was taken to hospital, where he received urgent treatment.

The court heard that the victim was attacked outside his own home following an ongoing dispute with the defendant. After the attack, the suspect was seen driving erratically and was located and arrested by police shortly afterwards.

David Clarke, 59, of Eastbourne, was charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article, and dangerous driving. Following a trial at Hove Crown Court, Clarke was found guilty of attempted murder in August 2025.

He returned to Hove Crown Court for sentencing on 8 January 2026, where he was handed a 32-year prison sentence, reflecting the seriousness and violence of the offence.

Detective Constable Chris Smith, from the Eastbourne Investigations Team, said the sentence demonstrated that serious violence would not be tolerated and praised the victim for his strength throughout the investigation. He added that the outcome should provide reassurance to the local community.