Man broke car window with his head, and stabbed the driver

Shane Elliott, 33, was arrested at his home in Wantley Hill Estate, in Henfield, after police received reports of a violent attack in the same street on the afternoon of April 19.

Sussex Police say the victim had been sat in his parked car at the entrance to the road when he noticed Elliott, whom he recognised, walk past. About ten minutes later, Elliott returned and approached the vehicle, prompting the victim to lock the doors.

He moved across to the passenger seat, at which point Elliott went around the vehicle and smashed the passenger window with his head. He then attacked the man with a large kitchen knife, causing wounds to his left hand and arm.

The victim, then aged 29 and from Steyning, managed to escape through the driver’s side and ran to a friend’s house for safety.

Police were called and enquiries led them to arrest Elliott, previously a Horley resident, on suspicion of attempted murder.

However, he denied the offence and instead pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and was sentenced to ten years in custody, to serve four years on licence, at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday January 6. He was also ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge.

His partner Virginia Froud, also known as Virginia Kembery, was convicted at the same court on the same date, of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

Froud, 48, also of Wantley Hill Estate, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Laura Sinden said: “This was a nasty attack in which Elliott used his head to smash a car window and then attack the victim with a knife.

“The victim managed to get out of the car and run to a nearby address, where he was treated by paramedics. It is lucky he did not sustain more serious injuries.

“Elliott was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder due to the verbal threats to kill he made. However, he pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to commit GBH and was sentenced accordingly.

“He is clearly a danger to the public, and by locking him up we are maintaining the safety of the local community.”

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