Rye man jailed for five years over knife threat and unprovoked assault

Lee Beckett, 57, attacked a man at a friend's home in Rye, punching him repeatedly and holding a knife to his throat. He was sentenced to five years and three months at Lewes Crown Court.

Rye man sentenced for knife threat and violent assault on house guest

Lee Beckett, 57, of Cooper Road, Rye, has been jailed for five years and three months after launching a violent assault on a man he encountered at a friend's home, The Argus reports.

Beckett arrived uninvited at the address in Rye on 21 May and initially spoke with two people inside. His mood shifted abruptly, and he repeatedly punched a 56-year-old man from Southwark in the face before seizing a kitchen knife and holding it to the victim's throat, threatening to kill him.

The victim was taken to hospital with multiple injuries to his cheek, nose, and eye socket. A 45-year-old woman from Rye who was present during the attack was not harmed.

On 30 September, Beckett appeared at Lewes Crown Court and pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and making threats to kill. He had been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.

Bernadette Peters, investigating officer from Hastings CID, said: "This was a senseless and completely unprovoked attack on a man who was left with significant facial injuries as a result of Beckett's senseless actions. I hope the local community can take some reassurance that this violent offender has been removed from the streets and sent to prison, where he has a long time to reflect on his actions."

In addition to the custodial sentence, Beckett was issued a restraining order prohibiting any contact with both the victim and the witness.

Source: The Argus