Crawley, West Sussex – Two men have been found guilty of murdering Harrison Tomkins, the ex-boyfriend of one of the men’s former girlfriend in a “brutal and frenzied” attack. Kaydon Prior, 23, stabbed Tomkins, 25, in the chest, legs, and back with a hunting knife in August 2023. His friend, Jason Curtis, 22, was found to have encouraged and assisted in the murder. Both men have been convicted of Mr. Tomkins’ murder in unanimous verdicts.
During the trial at Chichester Crown Court, jurors heard that Prior, described as a “jealous and controlling” man, stormed into Alicia Parrin’s flat with Curtis after hearing she had been out with another man. The court also heard that Mr. Tomkins and Ms. Parrin, who had got to know each other by working at the K2 leisure center, had become closer in the weeks leading up to the attack.
Prior and Curtis were found guilty not only of Mr. Tomkins’ murder but also of having an offensive weapon, and Prior was found guilty of assaulting Ms. Parrin. The sentencing for both men is scheduled for April 23 at Hove Crown Court. Prior is from Three Bridges, West Sussex, and Curtis is from Lambeth, South London.
The trial revealed disturbing details about Prior and Ms. Parrin’s relationship, with Ms. Parrin alleging that Prior was violent and jealous. Jurors heard that just a day before the murder, Ms. Parrin had sent messages to Prior saying “Go f*** yourself don’t ever contact me again” while Prior still believed they were in a relationship.
Harrison’s family has expressed relief and a sense of justice being served upon the conviction of Prior and Curtis. The family also expressed that Harrison was innocent, taken by surprise and killed as he laid in bed, with no chance to defend himself. They thanked the authorities and the witnesses for their support throughout the trial, expressing hope that the offenders serve the maximum possible sentence.
The case has been a harrowing experience for the family, who still grapple with the senseless loss of Harrison’s life. The traumatizing events and the lies spoken during the trial by Prior and Curtis have added layers of pain to an already tragic situation that changed their lives forever.
Prior and Curtis’ premeditated and violent actions have had far-reaching consequences, forever altering the lives of Harrison’s loved ones. The sentencing scheduled for April will be an important milestone in seeking justice for the victim and closure for his grieving family.