12 November 2023 , 17:05
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A callous burglar broke into a home - but was tackled to the ground by the brave 90-year-old resident.
Yet Lee Tidy, 24, still managed to stab the pensioner in the neck amid the tussle. Tidy entered the property through a first-storey window and confronted the man on the landing.
But a court heard the pensioner threw Tidy to the floor and shouted for help - despite being attacked. A second occupant - a 61-year-old man - ran upstairs, but was also stabbed in the neck by the knifeman. Tidy has now been jailed for 23 years for attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, aggravated burglary and possession of a Class B drug.
Tidy broke into the house in Henfield, West Sussex, on the night of Saturday February 4. The thug stole a set of car keys and fled the house, but was later found covered in blood with a bandaged hand and a small quantity of cannabis in a property linked to him.
He was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, aggravated burglary and possession of a Class B drug. The yob, from Henfield, was found guilty of all charges at Lewes Crown Court and sentenced to 23 years in prison.
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Tidy must serve at least two-thirds of his custodial sentence before being eligible for parole. Detective Sergeant Jordan Holmes, of Sussex Police, said: "This was a terrifying experience for the two victims, one of whom was nearly murdered in his own home by Lee Tidy.
"Due to the brave actions of both victims, they managed to call police and distance themselves from Tidy, who was soon apprehended by police officers with injuries linking him to the crime scene. Both victims thankfully made a full recovery from the injuries they sustained."
DS Holmes added: "At court, Tidy tried to twist the truth about had happened and denied any accountability around the events of the night.
"Thankfully the jury saw through these false accounts and he has now been given a significant custodial sentence, where he can cause no further harm.
"This excellent result could not have been achieved were it not for the bravery of the victims, and the swift actions of Sussex Police's response and investigative units."