The family of a 24-year-old murder victim shared their grief in court as they waited to hear sentence passed on the killer Kyle Dumble.
Dumble, 27, formerly of Bayham Road, Hailsham, mowed down Jack Field in a Mitsubishi Shogun 4×4 in the Western Road area of Hailsham in November 2023.
He was found guilty by a jury at Hove Crown Court on Friday (24 January) at the end of a three-week trial.
Today (Monday 27 January), Dumble was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 17 years, including the 14 months he has already spent behind bars on remand.
Mr Field, a night supervisor at Waitrose supermarket, had been out with others celebrating a friend’s birthday when a stranger, Jimmy Stonestreet, shouted at them and then started a fight.
Mr Stonestreet was overpowered but managed to scuttle back to his car. Dumble was at the wheel and drove at the group of friends.
He killed Mr Field and injured his friend Jake Barry before fleeing the scene.
To read about the sentencing, click here.
This morning, Jack Field’s mother Jayne Field, went into the witness box at Hove Crown Court wearing a Liverpool football scarf – the team her son supported. Mr Field’s father Chris and brother Louis also spoke about their loss.
She told the court: “He was a lovely boy. Jack (was) a constant and guiding force in Louis’s life.
“Jack was not only my son but also my best friend and protector all in one … was always there with advice, wisdom and love. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
“You always called me your little Mumma as you were 6ft 4 and I was only 5ft 2.
“Jack’s first job was as a waiter and, with his polite manner and happy demeanour, he was a popular addition to the restaurant.
“One day he came home with a note from a customer to give to me saying what a polite young man I had raised and I should be very proud, which obviously I was.
“He started working at Waitrose as a night supervisor and basically ran the show due to his hard work and organisation skills.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting some of Jack’s work colleagues who all say what a kind-hearted supportive and hard-working chap he was and who they all sorely miss.
“Jack had a witty sense of humour and could always light up a room with his infectious smile.
“Jack was a friend to many and would never let anyone go without a pint. He even gave the tv out of his room to a friend who moved into a flat and didn’t have one. Jack was never happier than when he was helping others.
“I have lost count of the times people have said I saw Jack the other day, what a lovely boy. He has left a massive whole in so many people’s lives but he will never be forgotten.

“I am so angry that you had your life so cruelly snatched away and for no reason when you had your whole life ahead of you. I hope you get the justice you deserve and rightly so.
“We as a family have now been subjected to a life sentence of waking up every morning and going to bed every night knowing that you are not coming home.
“As a parent, all you want to do is protect your children and I couldn’t protect you this time.
“I had to say goodbye to you through a wooden box and couldn’t even see you or kiss you one last time due to your catastrophic injuries.
“I will forever be grateful that you are my son and cherish every memory and keep you locked in my broken heart forever.
“If everyone had a Jack in their lives, the world would be a much kinder place. You will never walk alone, our superstar Jack!”
Mr Field’s brother Louis Field said: “To me, he was everything. Not only was Jack my brother, he was a father figure, a role model but most importantly my best friend.
“Losing him feels like I’ve lost five people all at once and no one will ever be able to take that pain away from me.
“Every single day I live for the rest of my life will be without the one person I wish was there.

“Growing up, I have 20 years full of the fondest memories with Jack so I think the hardest thing for me is that I will never be able to create any more.
“Jack was genuinely the best older brother anyone could’ve asked for and I’m honoured and proud to say that he was mine.”
His father Chris Field said: “The hurt and pain of losing my boy has left a gaping hole in my heart that will never heal.
“Jack wasn’t ill. He wasn’t old. He was 24 years old with his whole life ahead of him.
“I would like to tell you some of the words that some people who knew and loved him have used to describe him: loving, caring, loyal, dependable and considerate.
“I used to call him superstar because that’s what he was – a true honourable gentleman who I am incredibly proud to call my son.
“I could go on and on about Jack and his aspirations and dreams for his future but this has been cruelly taken away from him.
“I hope to God that you will never endure the life sentence that we will now have to live with.”