A man has been jailed for life for mowing down 24-year-old Jack Field using a Mitsubishi Shogun 4×4 as a weapon in what was described as a revenge attack.
Kyle Dumble, 27, formerly of Bayham Road, Hailsham, drove at a group of friends in Hailsham at speed late at night after his friend Jimmy Stonestreet had started a fight but come off worse.
Dumble told police that he and his friend had been in the Western Road area because they were looking to buy cocaine.
A jury convicted Dumble of murder on Friday (24 January) after a trial lasting three weeks and today (Monday 2 January) he was sentenced.
Judge Jeremy Gold told Dumble that he would serve a minimum of 17 years, less the 431 days that he had spent in prison on remand.
At Hove Crown Court, Judge Gold also sentenced Dumble to six years for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Jake Barry, with the sentence to be served concurrently – at the same time.
Dumble was also given a six-month sentence to be served concurrently for driving while disqualified and a £500 fine or another day in prison for driving with no insurance.
Tana Adkins, prosecuting, said that Dumble had never held a driving licence.
Judge Gold said: “Kyle Dumble was driving the Shogun. He should not have been. He was a disqualified driver.
“All he had to do to avoid the risk of further confrontation was drive away but he decided instead to use the car as a weapon and drive it towards Jack’s group.
“I am satisfied that he did that at least once before embarking on the reversing manoeuvre that caused Jack’s death.
“Although his actions could not be described as premeditated it was clearly, in my judgment, an act of revenge against the group for what had just occurred.
“That final, fatal manoeuvre was carried out at significant speed and with sufficient force to knock a car parked adjacent to the kerb some distance on to the grass verge before knocking Jack to the ground and trapping Jake Barry against another vehicle.
“Kyle Dumble then drove away over Jack Field causing catastrophic injury to Jack and his instant death.”
Before passing sentence, the court heard tributes from Mr Field’s parents Jayne and Chris and brother Louis. To read what they told the judge, click here.
The judge said: “Jack was clearly a very special young man.”
Afterwards, Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said: “Nothing can make up for the loss of Jack for his family and his loved ones.
“With his killer behind bars, I hope they now have the opportunity to mourn this tragedy in their own ways.
“I would like to thank them for their strength and support during this long and complex investigation.
“I also commend the investigative team, witnesses and partners for their determination to counter Kyle Dumble’s denials and ensure he’s faced justice for his crimes.”
Jack’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.”
