Man suffers life-changing injuries in Hastings town centre assault

Police said a 45-year-old man from St Leonards was attacked in Robertson Street, Hastings, at approximately 10pm on Friday (January 24).

He is currently in hospital with potentially life-changing injuries.

On Monday (January 27), a spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Following an incident in Robertson Street, Hastings, at around 10pm on Friday (January 24) construction worker Mathew George Gardiner, 35, of Preston Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, is due to appear before Brighton magistrates today (Monday, January 27) charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.

“He is currently in custody.

“It is alleged that he attacked a 45-year-old man from St Leonards-on-Sea, who is currently in hospital with potentially life-changing injuries.”

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said Mr Gardiner will next appear at Lewes Crown Court for a pre-trial and preparatory hearing on February 24.

The ambulance service said crews were called to Robertson Street shortly after 10pm to reports of an assault.

He added: “Ambulance crews attended the scene and the person was assessed and treated before being taken to Conquest Hospital.

“Injuries reported included a head injury.”