Man jailed after unprovoked knife attack on worker in Crawley
Victim was assaulted on his driveway in Bewbush following a night shift, with attacker later admitting he had been drunk
Last updated 15th Apr 2026
A man has been jailed after carrying out a violent, unprovoked attack on a worker as he arrived home in Crawley following a night shift.
The court heard that 38-year-old Dean Heron, of no fixed address, confronted the victim at around 7am on 9 July last year in Waterside Close, Bewbush. As the man returned home in his car, Heron launched an assault on his driveway.
He struck the victim to the face and took out a knife during the struggle, and then choked the victim.
Neighbours were alerted to the disturbance and contacted police, leading to Heron’s arrest and subsequent detention.
At interview, Heron admitted he had been intoxicated at the time of the incident.
He later pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to attempted grievous bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and possession of a knife in a public place.
He was sentenced on 10 April to three years and four months in prison.
Speaking after the case, Crawley District Commander Chief Inspector Steven Turner said:
“This was a shocking incident that took place close to a primary school prior to the school run.
“It caused concern to residents, parents, children and the community, and officers arrived swiftly to safely detain Heron who was intoxicated.
“Heron’s assault was unprovoked and continues to impact the victim. His actions were not acceptable.
“We take reports of violence and knife crime extremely seriously, so we are pleased that a potentially dangerous offender is now serving a custodial sentence.”