Teenagers guilty of assault which left Worthing father with life-changing injuries
Alan Willson was left unable to walk, talk or swallow following the attack
Three teenagers have been convicted of a vicious assault which left a dad from Worthing with life-changing injuries.
Alan Willson, 47, was found in Longcroft Park on Easter Sunday last year.
He was hospitalised for three months having been left unable to walk, talk or swallow but he's since regained the ability to walk and talk.
Three boys, aged 13, 14 and 17 at the time, were arrested and charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. All denied the offence.
After a 14-day trial at Hove Crown Court, two boys now aged 14 and 15, who can't be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of GBH with intent.
Harry Furlong, 18, from Horsham, was found guilty of GBH without intent.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn, senior investigating officer, said: "This was a sickening and violent assault on an innocent man, who had simply stepped in to help a young boy who was hurt and upset.
“The injuries Alan suffered showed this was a sustained and prolonged attack – the people responsible for this clearly intended to cause serious harm with their actions, and have not showed any remorse since.
“I would like to thank Annie and the rest of Alan’s family for the bravery and dignity they have showed throughout this heart-breaking ordeal. I can only hope the result at court today brings some comfort to them and allows them to move forward and focus fully on Alan’s recovery.
“I’d also like to thank the team of investigators who worked so hard to build a strong case, and the witnesses who came forward to help us bring those responsible to justice.”