A MAN has been jailed after assaulting an old acquaintance who he held a grudge against for seven years because of a prank gone wrong.

Devon Locke confronted his 52-year-old victim about the prank before breaking his jaw, leaving him needing a metal plate.

The 26-year-old builder accused him of failing to apologise to his sister and attacked him in the street in Felpham, near Bognor.

Locke was found guilty of grievous bodily harm following a trial and sentenced to three years in prison.

After the case, investigating officer Kym Belding said: “This was a very serious, unprovoked attack which has left the victim with life-changing injuries.

“Locke took no responsibility for this incident and even now he has shown no remorse.

”Thanks to the bravery of the victim in coming forward, we were able to arrest and charge Locke for this matter, and now justice has been served.”

The Argus: Devon Locke Devon Locke

The nature of the prank, which took place in 2013, is not known.

However, Locke knew his victim for several years before the incident on September 13 2019.

Locke assaulted the man as he was walking home along Flansham Lane.

He continued walking home, however Locke again assaulted him, causing the man to fall to the floor.

He attended hospital where x-rays revealed he had significant facial injuries, including a broken jaw.

The man needed surgery to re-align his jaw and had a titanium plate fitted, which he will have for the rest of his life.

Locke, of Virginia Gardens, Bognor, was arrested, but denied committing grievous bodily harm.

However, he appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court where he was found guilty on November 11.

As well as being jailed, Locke was also given a five-year restraining order preventing him contacting his victim.