Robber who eye-gouged Lancing man after he got off the train is jailed

Aaron Lucas was jailed for robbery and intimidation. Picture: Sussex Police

A robber who attacked a man in broad daylight on his way home from Lancing Railway Station has been jailed.

The victim called out for help after the vicious attack but was ignored by members of the public, a court heard.

Aaron Lucas, 23, was jailed yesterday at Lewes Crown Court for the robbery, which happened in March last year.

Speaking at an earlier hearing prosecutor Charlotte Morrish outlined the case: “On March 13 Mr Hungwe arrived at Lancing train station about 1.30pm in the afternoon.

The victim was on his way home from Lancing Railway Station

“He began walking home along Sompting Road. A male was walking quite close behind him.

“He felt intimidated so he decided to cross the road. The defendant followed him, crossing the road as well.”

Feeling uncomfortable, Mr Hungwe turned and faced the defendant, whom he knew through mutual friends.

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The court heard that the pair began chatting as they walked together. Eventually Lucas suggested they take a ‘shortcut’ through an alleyway, and Mr Hungwe agreed.

The prosecutor said: “They got about three-quarters of the way down the alleyway when Mr Hungwe became aware that the defendant had stepped behind him.

“He felt a blow. The defendant had punched him hard to the right side of his jaw.”