A PROLIFIC offender who declared “it’s Ricky time” before violently attacking a man has been jailed for nine years.

Ricky Jeans, of Westgate in Chichester, has been convicted of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon in public and assault by beating – crimes committed within five days of each other in September last year.

After sentencing, Sussex Police said: “It's now Ricky's time to serve his sentence.”

On September 19, 2020, a man and woman were chatting on a bench in Hotham Park, Bognor, when they were approached by Jeans, who said he was in the area to buy drugs.

Following a brief conversation, Jeans became aggressive, and the two friends attempted to leave.

At this point, Jeans pushed the man back onto the bench.

The man, aged 22, got up again and tried to fend off Jeans, who then looked at his watch and declared “it’s Ricky time”.

The Argus: Ricky Jeans, of Westgate in Chichester Ricky Jeans, of Westgate in Chichester

The 37-year-old then tripped the man to the ground and carried out a sustained attack.

The man suffered head and facial injuries which required hospital treatment.

Jeans demanded their personal belongings, but the pair were able to get away and call police.

On September 24, Jeans approached a 39-year-old man who was walking along Bognor Road, Chichester, and demanded: “Empty your pockets or I’m going to smash you with a hammer”.

The victim was able to run to a nearby shop where he sought refuge, closely followed by Jeans, who was witnessed by several people to be in possession of a hammer.

Following enquiries, Jeans, who is unemployed and has 39 previous convictions for 85 offences, was identified and arrested in Bognor.

He was charged with robbery, possession of an offensive weapon in public and assault by beating.

He was remanded in custody and pleaded guilty to all offences.

Jeans was sentenced to a total of nine years’ imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court on August 12, comprising of six years in custody and three years on extended licence.

Investigating officer detective constable Jordan Holmes said: “This investigation took place over a number of months and now justice has truly been served on Ricky Jeans.

“This is an excellent result for the victims and Jeans pleading guilty to all offences, before the trial, indicates his known involvement.

“It's now Ricky's time to serve his sentence.”