Man faces fresh manslaughter charge after pensioner's death in Eastbourne
A 24-year-old was originally charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm
A man faces a new manslaughter charge over a man’s death in Eastbourne.
Sussex Police initially arrested and charged Cameron Grocutt, 24, with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm following an incident in Canute Close on October 26 last year.
A 66-year-old man who was initially taken to hospital was later pronounced deceased on 12 November.
Following the death, the case was referred to the CPS and to the Attorney General to authorise a further charge, as per standard procedure.
Sussex Police can confirm that Grocutt, of no fixed address, has received an updated summons to face a charge of manslaughter.
He originally appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 8 November, where he was remanded in custody.
Grocutt will next appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 18 February to answer the manslaughter charge.
Detective Superintendent Jayantha Mendis-Gunasekera said: “Officers have been investigating the circumstances of an assault on 26 October, and whether this was a contributing factor in the death of the victim.
“We are taking the case extremely seriously, and we are determined to find answers for his family.
“This was believed to have been an isolated incident that did not pose a wider threat to the community.
“A suspect was arrested and charged in connection with the assault, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to it.
“The Attorney General’s Office has now authorised a further summons for the charge of manslaughter.
“We thank everyone who has come forward to report information to us, and continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward if they have not already done so.”