Hit-and-Run Horror: Man Arrested After Violent Assault and Abandoned Crash
At 9.50pm on Tuesday, November 8, chaos erupted when a woman reported her car being hit by a fleeing vehicle. The culprit crashed into a central reservation and abandoned the wreckage.
Driver Caught on Camera and Traced to Portslade
Lee Norris, 51, of Buckhurst Avenue, Carshalton, Sutton, was quickly identified from video footage. Police tracked him down the same night to a Portslade address where they found a woman with serious facial injuries.
Violent Assault and Shocking Charges
The victim claimed Norris had violently assaulted her, strangling her and threatening to kill. Officers found Norris inside the property with bloodied hands. He was arrested on multiple charges including:
- Actual bodily harm
- Making threats to kill
- Failing to stop after a road accident
- Driving without insurance
- Intentional strangulation
- Failing to provide a specimen for analysis
Guilty Plea and Upcoming Sentencing
Norris pleaded guilty to all six offences at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on November 10. He was remanded in custody and is due for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on December 8.
Police Praise Victim’s Bravery and Vow to Tackle Domestic Violence
“Violence against women and girls has no place in our society and will not be tolerated by Sussex Police,” said Detective Inspector Laura Hillier-Diamond of Brighton and Hove’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit.
“Thanks to swift police work, a vulnerable woman was protected and a dangerous man arrested. We commend the victim’s bravery and will relentlessly pursue domestic violence offenders.”
Domestic abuse affects victims across all walks of life. To find out what counts as domestic abuse, how to report it, or check if a partner has a history of abuse under Clare’s Law, visit Sussex Police Domestic Abuse Advice.
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