Brighton, Sussex (AP) — After a mother criticized Sussex Police for their response to a violent assault on her teenage sons, the four candidates standing to be Sussex’s next police and crime commissioner (PCC) have shared their views on the incident.
Jo Docherty from St Leonards recounted how her son and stepson were attacked by a gang near the White Rock Theatre in Hastings, prompting her to call 999. However, when she mentioned that her sons were on their way to the hospital with their father, she was instructed to dial 101 to report the crime.
The attack resulted in one victim sustaining a perforated eardrum and the other experiencing extensive bruising, leaving both emotionally scarred. Docherty expressed disappointment that there was no immediate police response, indicating that the perpetrators were still in the vicinity and could have been apprehended on the spot.
The candidates running for PCC in Sussex have weighed in on the incident, with each offering their perspective on how to improve policing in the area. Labour candidate Paul Richards advocated for increased foot patrols to enable swift responses to such incidents, drawing on his desire to see a return to the community policing model.
Liberal Democrat Jamie Bennett raised concerns about the resources available to respond to emergencies, highlighting the need for more law enforcement personnel to effectively address incidents like the assault on Docherty’s sons. Green Party candidate Jonathan Kent emphasized the importance of core values in policing, criticizing the lack of clarity from the chief constable on the values guiding policing in Sussex.
Incumbent Conservative PCC Katy Bourne expressed sympathy for Docherty and pledged to investigate the response to the assault, ensuring that the chief constable would provide a personal update to the family. Sussex Police stated that they are actively investigating the incident, conducting CCTV and house-to-house inquiries while appealing for witnesses to come forward.
The upcoming election on May 2 in Sussex will see voters choosing their next PCC alongside local elections, highlighting the significance of candidates’ stances on public safety and law enforcement. The incident serves as a focal point in the campaign, shedding light on the challenges facing the community and the need for effective policing strategies.