A Hailsham man has been convicted of murder after he drove a 4×4 car at a group of people, killing one of them, 24-year-old Jack Field.
Kyle Dumble, an unemployed 27-year-old, of no fixed address, and formerly of Bayham Road, Hailsham, was also convicted of attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and driving while disqualified and without insurance.
He was found guilty by a jury at Hove Crown Court today (Friday 24 January) and is due to be sentenced at the same court on Monday (27 January).
A life sentence is mandatory but Judge Jeremy Gold will be expected to set the minimum number of years that Dumble must spend in prison.
The hit and run happened at about 11pm on Saturday 18 November 2023 in Diplocks Walk, off Western Road, Hailsham, after a fight broke out as a group of young men walked home from the pub.
Amy Packham, prosecuting, told the jury at the start of the trial earlier this month that Dumble had fled the scene before the emergency services arrived.
They found Mr Field, from Hailsham, with critical injuries. He died at the scene.
Mr Field had been out with friends in Hailsham before he was murdered and they were in Western Road when a fight started involving Dumble’s friend Jimmy Stonestreet, 33, of Malthouse Way, Hellingly.
During the fight, Dumble got back into a black Mitsubishi Shogun and witnesses said that he revved the engine and mounted the pavement to drive at Mr Field and his friends.
The car hit Mr Field and another man, Jake Barry, who was much less seriously injured. Dumble was said to have repeatedly driven forwards and reversed back at them before fleeing the scene.
Dumble denied murder and said that he had put the car in the wrong gear in fear and panic.
It was about 24 hours later before he handed himself in to police. He was arrested and subsequently charged.
Dumble’s brother, Reece Dumble, 29, was charged with witness intimidation and using threatening words or behaviour, as well as assault in relation to a separate incident. He was found not guilty.
After the verdicts, Kyle Dumble was been remanded in custody to await sentence on Monday.
Mr Field’s family said: “Jack was a loving son, brother and friend. He was the most selfless, respectful gentleman who would do anything for anyone and always putting others before himself.
“He was everyone’s best friend, role model and hero. He will never be able to be replaced and has left a gaping hole which will never be filled but we will hold him in our hearts forever.
“Darling Jack, we love you so much. Goodbye for now, baby boy. Although nothing can bring Jack back, we are pleased he has got the justice he deserves.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said: “This was a senseless, seemingly unprovoked act of violence that has robbed a young man of his life.
“My thoughts remain with Jack’s family and loved ones, as they have throughout this investigation.
“Kyle Dumble turned his car into a deadly weapon that night in November and fled the area with no regard for the tragic scene he left behind.
“This has been a complex investigation and I would like to thank the investigative team for their hard work in bringing Dumble to justice and Jack’s family for their support and resolve during this incredibly difficult time.
“We now look ahead to sentencing when Dumble will rightly face justice for his crimes.”
