Man jailed for 32 years after 'frenzied' stabbing

A man has been jailed for 32 years for a "frenzied" knife attack which left his victim with serious injuries.

David Clarke, 59, from Hazelwood Avenue, Eastbourne, was arrested in February last year following reports that someone had been stabbed multiple times outside a property.

Emergency services discovered a 57-year-old man with serious injuries to his head, neck and torso, and he was taken to hospital for urgent treatment.

Having been found guilty of attempted murder last August, Clarke was sentenced at Hove Crown Court on Thursday.

The court had heard how Clarke attacked the man outside his home at about 13:25 GMT on 9 February 2025.

The pair had been engaged in an ongoing dispute, the jury was told.

Clarke was picked up by police when officers spotted him driving erratically shortly after the incident.

As well as attempted murder, he was also charged with being in possession of a knife and dangerous driving.

Detective Constable Chris Smith, from Sussex Police's Eastbourne Investigations Team, said: "Clarke has now been jailed for this violent and frenzied attack which left the victim with serious injuries.

"This sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and it's thanks to the swift response of emergency services and the courage of the victim that we were able to bring Clarke to justice.

"We hope this outcome provides reassurance to the local community that such acts will not be tolerated."

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