Two Jailed Over Eastbourne Murder

A 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of eight years for the murder of a 46-year-old man who was attacked by a group of teenage boys after leaving a convenience store.

Joe Chapman, formerly of Iden Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex, was jailed at Lewes Crown Court for the murder of Chris Poole in Eastbourne last August.

Police said he was sentenced alongside Shane Noble, 20, of no fixed address, who was also sentenced to life to serve a minimum of 11 years.

Both defendants were sentenced after being found guilty by a jury at the end of a three-week trial.

Following their conviction, the judge lifted reporting restrictions, allowing Chapman, a juvenile, to be named.

A Sussex police spokesman said: "Mr Poole had gone to the Premier convenience store in The Hydneye on the evening of August 16 and on leaving the shop he became involved in an altercation with a group of teenage boys.

"He suffered fatal injuries after being punched and kicked to the head.''

Detective Superintendent Nick May, who headed the investigation, said: "This was a horrific attack - what I would describe as a senseless act of violence.

"I hope the sentence today following this tragedy will bring some closure to Chris's family.

"Our thoughts are with them at this time and I reiterate my thanks go to the community for their support in bringing these teenagers to justice.''