Four men have been locked up for a brutal kidnapping and assault in Brighton last November. The chilling attack left a 46-year-old man tied up, bleach-stained, and battered. Sentencing came down hard at Hove Crown Court on Friday, 17 October 2025.
Victim Dragged Into Car in Broad Daylight
The terrifying ordeal began on 5 November 2022 just before 4pm in Whitehawk. Witnesses reported seeing the victim violently dragged into a car on Chiddingly Close. Hours later police found him in North Drive with his hands bound, clothes ripped, and smelling strongly of bleach. He had suffered severe physical assault.
Burglary Links and Crucial Evidence Crack the Case
The attack wasn’t random. Police uncovered connections to two local burglaries in Hove and Brighton. Forensic tests, CCTV, phone data, and eyewitness accounts helped pin down the culprits.
- Stephen Marsh, 42 of Firle Road, Brighton
- William Westein, 29 of Shanklin Road, Brighton
- Harry Avis, 27 of Swanborough Drive, Whitehawk
- Regan White, 22 of Firle Road, Brighton
Another suspect, Frankie Whittington, 25, faced charges but was cleared.
DNA from items recovered in a hired van – including a balaclava, saws, and knives – tied nearly all the men to the crime. In July 2024 they faced charges including burglary, kidnap, false imprisonment, and grievous bodily harm with intent.
Guilty After Three-Week Trial, Sentenced to Prison
Following a three-week trial in early 2025, the four men were found guilty on all counts and immediately remanded in custody. Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Jones said,
“This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim. The sentences handed down today reflect the severity of these crimes and our commitment to bringing perpetrators of such serious offences to justice.”
Sussex Police urge locals to stay alert and report anything suspicious to keep Brighton safe.
