A man was jailed after breaking into a house and violently assaulting an elderly man.

Gary Barney, 49, formerly of Bolney Avenue in Peacehaven, forced his way into a property in nearby Sutton Avenue on the afternoon of July 3, 2023.

He viciously attacked the 78-year-old man inside the property and assaulted a 45-year-old woman also inside when she tried to stop him.

Barney then continued his assault on the man before leaving the scene.

The elderly man was left with injuries to his head and body, and the woman was also injured.

The victims were able to call the police and Barney was arrested within minutes of the attack. He was later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

Barney was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after being found guilty of all charges at Lewes Crown Court on January 12.

His sentence included a separate conviction for assaulting a police officer on August 7, 2022.

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Detective Constable Marcos Miranda de la Fuente said: “Gary Barney is a violent offender, who indiscriminately assaulted an elderly man and a woman in what was a prolonged attack.

“Violence of any kind will not be tolerated in Sussex, which includes assaults on our officers as they go about their duties to protect the public.

“This custodial sentence has put a dangerous criminal behind bars, which I hope provides some measure of closure for his victims.”