Man Found Guilty Of Murder After Fatal Hailsham Collision

A Hailsham man who drove a car at a group of people, killing a man, has been convicted of murder.

Kyle Dumble, 27, of no fixed address, was convicted of murder, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and driving while disqualified and without insurance at Hove Trial Centre on Friday (24 January).

A murder investigation was launched after emergency services were called to Western Road in Hailsham at around 11pm on Saturday, 18 November, 2023, to reports of a man having been struck by a car.

The car had fled the scene before the arrival of emergency services.

Twenty-four-year-old Jack Field, from Hailsham, was found critically injured at the scene and sadly died from his injuries.

The investigation found Jack had been out with friends in Hailsham prior to the incident, and they were in Western Road when a fight ensued with the occupants of a black Mitsubishi Shogun – driven by Kyle Dumble.

During the fight Dumble got back into the vehicle and witnesses described it revving and mounting the pavement to drive at Jack and his friends.

The car hit Jack and another man, and repeatedly drove forwards and reversed back at them before fleeing the scene.

Jack’s injuries were sadly fatal, while his friend suffered severe bruising.

Dumble handed himself in to police around 24 hours after the incident and was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was subsequently charged with murder, attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Kyle Dumble’s brother, Reece Dumble, was found not guilty of witness intimidation and using threatening words/behaviour, as well as assault in relation to a separate incident.

Following the guilty verdict, Kyle Dumble has been remanded in custody to face sentencing on Monday (27 January).

Jack’s family have released the following tribute:

“Jack was a loving son, brother and friend.

“He was the most selfless, respectful gentleman who would do anything for anyone and always putting others before himself. He was everyone’s best friend, role model and hero.

“He will never be able to be replaced and has left a gaping hole which will never be filled but we will hold him in our hearts forever.

“Darling Jack, we love you so much, goodbye for now baby boy.

“Although nothing can bring Jack back, we are pleased he has got the justice he deserves.”

Jack Field (c) Sussex Police

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said:

“This was a senseless, seemingly unprovoked act of violence that has robbed a young man of his life.

“My thoughts remain with Jack’s family and loved ones, as they have throughout this investigation.

“Kyle Dumble turned his car into a deadly weapon that night in November, and fled the area with no regard for the tragic scene he left behind.

“This has been a complex investigation and I would like to thank the investigative team for their hard work in bringing Dumble to justice, and Jack’s family for their support and resolve during this incredibly difficult time.

“We now look ahead to sentencing, where Dumble will rightly face justice for his crimes.”