Man attacked with hammer in Newhaven ‘feared he was going to die’

Joe Heavey said he was left with broken ribs, a swollen head, bruises and cuts following the attack at a flat in Lewes Road, Newhaven, on Saturday, April 18.

“It was horrific and humiliating. I was scared half to death – I thought I was going to die,” said the 29-year-old.

“There was banging on the door and the next thing the door was kicked down and I was being attacked.

“I was attacked for about three to four minutes.

“They beat me on the floor. I crawled out of the room on my hands and knees and ran out the flat but they started chasing me. I managed to get to a mate’s house.”

Joe, who is currently living in Hastings, said the police arrived, who advised he should go to hospital as he could have a concussion, but he said he did not want to go because he feared he would catch coronavirus.

He said: “It has been very painful. I have a personality disorder and suffer with mental health problems but it doesn’t help when things like this happen.

“I am just hoping it goes through the courts and I get justice.

“I am gutted and devastated, I think about suicide every day.”

Police confirmed a 40-year-old man from Newhaven, who is known to the victim, was arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a Class B drug.

Officers confirmed he has been released on conditional bail until May 15, while enquiries continue.

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