A teenager has been sentenced following an incident in Littlehampton.
The case relates to the death of 51-year-old Paul Lawrence, a local resident who was tragically killed on Gladonian Road in the early hours of January 28, 2024.
The 17-year-old boy, who lives in the town, was charged with sending a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, and possession of cannabis.
Specifically, he recorded a video of Paul lying deceased on the floor and circulated it to others via social media.
He pleaded guilty to both offences and appeared before Worthing Youth Court on Thursday 14 August, where he was given a 12-month Youth Referral Order, which is aimed to address the offences committed and prevent future offending through a series of conditions.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said: “In the video, voices could be heard laughing and joking during what would prove to be the tragic last moment’s of Paul’s life. The video was then circulated by the defendant to other people on social media.
”This sort of behaviour is inexcusable and has compounded the grief felt by Paul's family at this most distressing of times.”
Another 17-year-old boy, from Bognor Regis, has been charged with manslaughter. He is scheduled to appear in court again on 6 October for a pre-trial preparation hearing.
Neither of the boys can be named for legal reasons.
Police appeal after hay bales set on fire in Polegate
Search after boat crash off the coast of Portsmouth
Three men stabbed in Eastbourne
Consultation on plans to widen Goring seafront path launched
CCTV images released as part of assault investigation in Emsworth
Sussex NHS mental health service seeks patient views for the Community Mental Health Survey
Yellow fish campaign launches in Adur and Worthing
More freedom for Portsmouth military housing tenants
Updated: 14/08/2025 @11:58 - A-Level results day for thousands of students across the South
UPDATED: 13/08/2025 @17:21 - Yellow heat health alert issued for the South – Residents urged to check on vulnerable neighbours
On Air