Man Jailed for Life After Brutal Unprovoked Stabbing in Hastings
A man launched a vicious, unprovoked stabbing spree in Hastings town centre, leaving three people injured. Nicky Warnes, 46, homeless and dangerous, has now been locked up for life.
Shock Attack in Early Hours
In the early morning of 19 October 2023, Warnes threatened two men at a late-night restaurant on Havelock Road. Without warning, he followed them and stabbed both in the chest. A nearby woman heroically tried to stop the attack but was stabbed in the arm.
- One man suffered a collapsed lung.
- All three victims needed hospital treatment.
“I don’t know why we were attacked. All we did was walk past him. Once he started having a go, I could tell he was looking for a fight.” – One victim
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest
After the attack, Warnes discarded the knife in a restaurant bin, but officers quickly found it. He was arrested shortly after and charged with three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of possessing a bladed article in public.
Life Sentence Delivered at Hove Crown Court
Warnes pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court in November 2024. On 19 March 2025, the judge at Hove Crown Court sentenced him to life imprisonment, with a minimum of eight years before parole is considered.
The court heard the attack happened around 2.40am. One victim still suffers nightmares and ongoing pain. The others continue their recovery.
“This was an unprovoked and violent attack using a blade. The victims didn’t initially realise they had been stabbed as Warnes had concealed the knife.
“Thanks to the courage of the woman who intervened and the swift actions of officers on patrol, Warnes was quickly arrested and the weapon recovered.
“We are pleased that a dangerous and violent individual has been taken off our streets and handed a significant prison sentence.” – Detective Sergeant Auryn Liddiard, Sussex Police
