Jason Curtis – Credit: Sussex Police
A man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of Harrison Tomkins in Crawley, following a retrial.
The 25-year-old suffered multiple stab wounds during the assault at a block of flats in Arthur Road at around 5.30am on 13 August, 2023.
Police and paramedics were on the scene within minutes and performed emergency first aid but despite their best efforts, Harrison, a lifeguard from Crawley, tragically died.
Kaydon Prior, now 25, of Hazelwick Avenue, Crawley, was sentenced to 28 years in custody and Jason Curtis, now 24, of Lairdale Road, Lambeth, London, was jailed for 22 years after both being found guilty in of Harrison’s murder following a four-week trial.
The pair were also found guilty of being in possession of an offensive weapon and Prior was additionally found guilty of common assault.
Curtis successfully appealed against his conviction for the two offences and underwent a retrial at Lewes Crown Court, where the jury found him guilty of manslaughter on Friday 20 March.
He was found not guilty of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Curtis was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.
Passing sentencing, Judge Laing said Curtis had substantial time to reflect on the incident in 2023, yet showed little remorse and no sign that he had learned anything since that date.
The judge also commended Harrison’s family for the way they have conducted themselves, and Detective Constable Elliott Lander for his outstanding professionalism.
The court heard how Prior and Curtis had been out in Chelsea, London, to celebrate Curtis’ 22nd birthday, but made their way back to Crawley at around 1.30am.
During the journey, they found out Prior’s ex-girlfriend was out in Crawley town centre with another man. That man being Harrison Tomkins.
Prior and Curtis were then seen on CCTV outside Medusa cocktail bar at 3am looking for her, before getting a taxi to her flat in Arthur Road.
The pair gained entry to the communal area and heard her and Harrison inside the flat, prompting Prior to call for a taxi to go to his home address in Hazelwick Road. Curtis stayed behind.
Prior was seen on CCTV going into his flat and coming back out just four minutes later. He then returned to Arthur Road in the same taxi.
Prosecution argued that Prior returned home to get a key to his ex-girlfriend’s flat and a knife in order to carry out the attack on Harrison, who was not known to him, and that he left Curtis watching the address.
At 5.30am, Prior and Curtis burst into Prior’s ex-girlfriend’s flat. Seconds later, Harrison was fatally stabbed multiple times.
A major search operation was launched by the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, including the use of a drone, and Curtis was found hiding in bushes nearby.
During his arrest, he said to an officer: “Who’s been murdered? I’ve been on a night out as it’s my birthday.”
Shortly after, Prior was arrested at his home address and the pair were later charged and remanded in custody.
The following is part of a victim impact statement taken from Harrison’s family, which was read out in court:
“The day that Harrison was cruelly murdered was without question, the hardest day of our lives. This was such a needless and unnecessary act. The effect on all our family and friends has been disastrous. Nothing said or done can help justify the senseless loss of life of an innocent young man.
“No number of character statements can do justice to Harrison’s character, from working within the prison service, to teaching and special needs activity lead, to K2 lifeguard. All this points to caring for others.
“Harrison’s murderous attack on the morning of the 13 August 2023, was nothing short of catastrophic, unsuspected and cowardly. Harrison was caught asleep, with no time to react, or more importantly, be able to defend himself.
“We believe that without Jason Curtis’ proactive involvement in Harrison’s murder, Kaydon Prior would not have been brave enough to go through with the murder. The concept that Curtis had nothing to do with the murder is offensive in the extreme and making our family/friends go through the ordeal of this re-trial is beyond understanding. The pain that we go through daily is colossal and even if you (Curtis) genuinely believe your innocence, I am grateful that you are alone and will stay alone in this thought.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sussex Police for bringing both culprits to justice, the HEMS team for trying so hard to save Harrison, the crown prosecution legal team for their professionalism and answering our endless silly questions, our friends and family – many of whom have attended court everyday much to adverse effect of their lives and who I can only hope that repayment of your kindness/support can occur one day.”
Case Officer, Detective Constable Elliott Lander, of the Major Crime Team, said: “This has been a long and arduous journey for Harrison’s family, and I hope they can take some closure now this case has finally concluded.
“While I never got to meet Harrison, it is clear he was greatly loved by all who knew him.
“On behalf of Harrison and all his family and friends, I’d like to thank everyone who came forward and supported our investigation.
“We will never give up in our quest to seek justice for victims and their families.”
Harrison Tomkins – Credit: Sussex Police