Brighton; 20 Year Old Given Life

11 November 2014, 13:21

A Brighton man convicted for attempted murder has been sentenced to life in prison.

Connah Smith, 20, of Vernon Terrace, Brighton has been found guilty of attempted murder at Lewes Crown Court on Monday (November 10).

He had already admitted to GBH with intent, threats to kill and false imprisonment and the life imprisonment of 30 years, to serve a minimum of 15 years, covers all the offences.

Smith has been convicted for repeatedly stabbing, threatening and trying to kill victims Gabby Price and her housemate, Megan Parson at their home in Dean Street in Brighton on March 29.

Smith had prepared a rucksack which held a hammer, knives, imitation firearm, a jerry can full of petrol, matches and gaffer tape. The two young women were asked how they wanted to die before being stabbed in the head, neck and body on a number of occasions. Constantly being told that they were going to be killed, they were held down under water in the bath and then later forced to lie on a bed, where they were then covered in petrol and had lit matches thrown at them.

The girls only managed to get away when one claimed she had suffered a miscarriage.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Inspector Mick Jones said: "I would like to thank the two victims for the courage they have shown during this trial. Their evidence has led to the conviction of Smith. He subjected them to an horrendous ordeal over a seven hour period which was like something out of a horror movie. Smith is an extremely dangerous individual, the level of the danger he poses having been reflected in the sentence he has received today."