Lewes Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 107 verdicts at Lewes Crown Court (Lewes). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

March 2026 1 case

Gerald Peck

Sexual assault and assault by penetration *

Sentence

11 years' imprisonment

Gerald Peck, who falsely claimed to be an accredited psychotherapist, sexually assaulted a patient during so-called therapy sessions. He was found guilty of three sexual assaults and two charges of assault by penetration. Peck deceived the patient into believing the sexual acts were part of legitimate Bioenergetic Analysis therapy to ease her pain, obtaining her consent through lies. He admitted in police interviews to developing 'his own niche treatment' and getting carried away, but the acts were for his own sexual gratification.

Found guilty following a trial. Also received a restraining order and ordered to pay £9,730 in compensation for therapy costs within 10 months.

12 Mar 2026

February 2026 3 cases

Leighton Ashby

Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

On the evening of November 2, 2023, Leighton Ashby, 22, from Beckett Road in Ashford, and Oakley Hollands drove to a field near Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs. They chased sheep, caught one, and violently assaulted it using explosive ‘bangers’ to cause catastrophic injuries, killing the animal. Footage of the attack was found on Hollands’ phone, and the sheep’s ear tags were recovered from a nearby property linked to Ashby. The incident was reported to Sussex Police on November 6, 2023, leading to their arrest on November 8, 2023.

Pleaded guilty. Judge Jeremy Gold commented on the callous and frankly sadistic behaviour, noting their farming backgrounds and studies at Plumpton made it alarming.

23 Feb 2026

Oakley Hollands

Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal *

Sentence

20 months in a young offenders’ institute

On the evening of November 2, 2023, Oakley Hollands, 20, from Mussenden Lane in Horton Kirby, and Leighton Ashby drove to a field near Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs. They chased sheep, caught one, and violently assaulted it using explosive ‘bangers’ to cause catastrophic injuries, killing the animal. Footage of the attack was found on Hollands’ phone, and the sheep’s ear tags were recovered from a nearby property linked to Ashby. The incident was reported to Sussex Police on November 6, 2023, leading to their arrest on November 8, 2023.

Pleaded guilty. Judge Jeremy Gold commented on the callous and frankly sadistic behaviour, noting their farming backgrounds and studies at Plumpton made it alarming.

23 Feb 2026

James Gathercole

Exposure *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months imprisonment

James Gathercole, 40, of Leigham Court Road, Streatham, exposed himself and masturbated in front of a woman in her 20s on a train from London Victoria to East Grinstead on July 15, 2025. He was caught staring at her, then undressed and performed the act after passengers alighted at East Croydon. The victim reported the incident at Upper Warlingham, leading to his arrest at East Grinstead where he was found asleep. This occurred just 12 days after his release on licence. He had prior convictions for similar acts in July 2024 at Motspur Park and West Sutton, identified via victim footage and CCTV.

Admitted two counts of exposure, as well as being in breach of his sexual harm prevention order and prison release licence. Previously jailed in July 2024 for similar offences and handed a ten-year order banning him from travelling on trains without permission, approaching lone women, and removing clothing below waist in public.

2 Feb 2026

September 2025 5 cases

Daniel Cleveland

Theft *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Daniel Cleveland, 33, from Lamerock Road, Bromley, targeted B&Q stores in Greenwich, Kent, Hampshire, Essex, and Buckinghamshire 11 times between February 2024 and March 2025, stealing approximately £16,000 worth of items, mainly taps. In one incident at B&Q Larkfield in Kent, he and his accomplice threw stolen goods over a fence from inside the garden centre and loaded them into a getaway vehicle with false plates. He was arrested at his home on 30 April 2025.

Pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft and three counts of attempted theft. Worked with an unidentified accomplice.

25 Sep 2025

Thomas Murphy

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment for each count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, to be served concurrently, and disqualified from driving for 12 years

Thomas Murphy was driving a silver Kia Sedona with cloned number plates and failed to stop for police. He evaded pursuit by speeding at up to 80mph in a 50mph zone, driving on the wrong side of the road, ignoring traffic lights, and overtaking dangerously. On 7 March 2025, he collided head-on with a family car near Godstone, causing life-changing injuries to the occupants while under the influence of drugs.

Pleaded guilty. The investigating officer noted that his actions showed complete disregard for the law and safety, seriously injuring three people.

25 Sep 2025

George Leighton

Intentional Strangulation *

Sentence

3 years and 4 months imprisonment

George Leighton, 26, of no fixed address, began a relationship with a woman in January 2025, which turned violent after eight months. On September 14, 2025, while driving from Sunbury, he strangled her twice until she couldn't breathe and punched her face, causing swelling. On October 10, 2025, at home, he strangled her again, pushing her against a bed headboard, causing bruising, and hit her face. On October 15, 2025, while driving, after she refused to lend him her car, he repeatedly banged her head against the car door until she lost consciousness. He was arrested on October 21, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage. Found guilty after trial of two counts of intentional strangulation and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

19 Sep 2025

Endri Lamaj

Possession with intent to supply a Class A drug *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Endri Lamaj was arrested in Brighton on August 5 after Sussex Police secured footage of him dealing cocaine, a Class A drug. During the arrest, he admitted to possessing and using the drug and even offered some to the officers. A search revealed 11 zip bags of cocaine and a large quantity of cash on him. He was charged and later pleaded guilty at court.

Pleaded guilty to the offence. Was found in possession of 11 zip bags of cocaine and a large quantity of cash during his arrest.

3 Sep 2025

Jessie Hearne

Fraudulent Trading *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

In November 2023, Jessie Hearne, operating as Brighton and Sussex Roofing, contacted a homeowner via a Facebook group to offer emergency roof repairs. He initially quoted £3,800 but later increased it to £8,800. The work was substandard, not compliant with British standards, and described as resembling 'an act of vandalism' by an independent surveyor. Investigations revealed at least six victims, including an 88-year-old who paid £16,000, with unnecessary works performed and no value provided, leaving victims to face costly remedial repairs.

Pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading, fraud by misrepresentation, engaging in a commercial practice which contravenes the requirements of professional diligence, and money laundering. Further action is being taken to recover criminal assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

1 Sep 2025

August 2025 1 case

Rita Cooney

Theft *

Sentence

15 months imprisonment

Rita Cooney, a care home worker, stole sentimental jewellery, including an 82-year-old resident's late husband’s gold wedding ring, from the victim's private room at Bethune Court in Boscobel Road, Hastings. The theft occurred on or around March 21, 2024, and was reported to the police. The items were pawned by Cooney, leading to her identification and arrest after a social media appeal and notification from a local pawnbroker.

Convicted of theft. Also charged with fraud, which will lie on file. Investigating officer described it as a despicable act exploiting a vulnerable elderly resident.

14 Aug 2025

July 2025 2 cases

Gianpaulo Bambi

Supplying Class A and B Drugs *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Gianpaulo Bambi was involved in supplying class A and B drugs, leading to his sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on 16 July 2025.

Sentenced for supplying class A and B drugs.

16 Jul 2025

Russell King

Importing cocaine *

Sentence

22 years imprisonment

Russell King hid four bin bags containing 100kg of ketamine in a Fiat motorhome and transported them from Rotterdam to Hull on August 24, 2024. He was also involved in importing 632kg of ketamine in July 2023. Police arrested him at his home in Royston, Barnsley, after which officers from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit seized the drugs with a street value of £2 million. The wider organised crime group was identified and charged in partnership with Sussex Police.

Found guilty of importing 70 kilos of cocaine after a six-week trial. Sentence includes six years for the motorhome offence and four years for the cannabis offence, running concurrently. Detective Superintendent Al Burns highlighted the operation's success in dismantling an international drug supply chain.

8 Jul 2025

May 2025 2 cases

Adrian West

Arson *

Sentence

6 years and 3 months imprisonment

Adrian West subjected his ex-partner Louise Simpson to months of violent attacks, including strangling, punching, and kicking her at her home in Crawley, Sussex. After being removed from the property, he returned on September 13, 2024, and smashed her doorbell camera with a rock. He was arrested for criminal damage but released without charge the next day. Later that day, he returned and started a fire in the porch using white spirit as an accelerant, which engulfed the house while Louise was napping inside, forcing her to flee and resulting in the death of her three-year-old British Bulldog, Peggy, who was trapped under the bed.

Pleaded guilty to arson with intent, criminal damage, non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and two counts of actual bodily harm. He was initially arrested and released without charge before committing the arson.

2 May 2025

Momade Jussab

Sexual Assault *

Sentence

Six-and-a-half years imprisonment

Momade Jussab sexually assaulted a woman referred to as Kelly while she was sleeping on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha, Qatar to Gatwick, West Sussex in September 2024. He put his hands down her trousers. He was arrested upon arrival at Gatwick and later convicted after a trial.

Aged 66 at sentencing, found guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault. The attack occurred on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Gatwick.

1 May 2025

February 2025 2 cases

Joshua Crompton

Assault *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment and an indefinite restraining order

Joshua Crompton, 27, of Bedfordwell Road in Eastbourne, subjected his victim to a pattern of manipulation, assaults, and coercive control between 2022 and December 2024. This included strangling her until she lost consciousness, holding a knife to her throat in March 2023, and exhibiting paranoid behaviour that led to multiple violent incidents in private and public. The victim reported the abuse on December 20, 2024, and was attacked again the next day, prompting her to flee and leading to Crompton's arrest.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation, two counts of assault, and criminal damage. Remaining charges were ordered to lie on file. Detective Constable Tania Snashall noted the profound and long-lasting effect on the victim and praised her bravery in reporting the abuse.

7 Feb 2025

Ian Charles Silvester

Indecent assault on a male person *

Sentence

16 years imprisonment with an additional six years on extended licence

Between 1986 and 2013, Ian Charles Silvester, a former scout leader and various other positions of trust including Cub Scout leader, diving instructor, St John Ambulance trainer, first aid trainer, and babysitter, assaulted 19 boys as young as seven. He manipulated them into situations under the guise of innocent games or educational activities to inappropriately touch and molest them for his sexual gratification. Digital devices seized after arrest contained incriminating material including images and recordings of assaults, indecent images of children, chat logs, and search history related to his sexual interests in young boys.

Found guilty of 79 offences following a trial. Also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

7 Feb 2025

January 2025 1 case

David Lennon

Indecent assault *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

David Lennon sexually abused a five-year-old girl by indecently assaulting her on five occasions in the summer of 1999 while he was supposed to be supervising her during contact with her father, grossly abusing his position of trust.

Convicted of five counts of indecent assault. 7 years for the most serious offence and 4 years concurrent for each of the other offences. Placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and made subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order prohibiting unsupervised contact with children under 16.

4 Jan 2025

November 2024 1 case

Robbie Cook

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

18 years imprisonment

Robbie Cook, angered by a £3,500 drug deal involving fake cannabis (popcorn), pursued a Citroen Berlingo driven by Jonny Day through residential streets in Eastbourne, East Sussex, on February 13, 2023. The vehicles reached speeds over 50mph, collided, and the Citroen crashed into a tree, killing Daniel Davies, Jonny Day, and Jon 'Tommy' Miller. Cook, familiar with the area, slowed at a junction, then searched the crashed vehicle with a torch without calling for help, and later destroyed his phone to pervert justice.

Admitted to causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice. Judge Christine Laing KC noted that the pursuit was driven by determination to recover drug money and highlighted his character based on his actions after the crash, including searching the vehicle while the victims lay dying.

22 Nov 2024

October 2024 1 case

Thames Water

Illegal discharge of sewage *

Sentence

£3.3 million fine

On October 11, 2017, a storm pump at Crawley Sewage Treatment Works unexpectedly activated and filled the storm tank for 21 hours despite no substantial rainfall, unnoticed by staff due to lack of specific alarms. The pump then spilled millions of litres of undiluted sewage into the Gatwick Stream and River Mole for an estimated six hours, causing significant pollution between Crawley in West Sussex and Horley in Surrey. The company omitted water readings and submitted a report denying responsibility to the Environment Agency.

Pleaded guilty to four charges relating to illegally discharging waste. Ordered to pay Environment Agency costs of nearly £129,000. Judge Christine Laing KC criticised the company for misleading the regulator and for the incident occurring shortly after a previous £20 million fine.

1 Oct 2024

September 2024 4 cases

Georgina Epitropou

Conspiracy to steal *

Sentence

2 years and 6 months imprisonment

Georgina Epitropou, 42, and her sister Laura stole high-value perfumes, make-up and other cosmetics from duty-free shops at Gatwick Airport, estimated to be worth at least £80,000, over a 10-month period up to September 2022. They sold the items via online marketplaces or direct to purchasers, making around £40,000. Laura took 21 flights from Gatwick, mainly to Edinburgh, with Georgina joining later. On one occasion, they stole 73 items worth almost £8,000. They were arrested boarding a flight to Belfast from Gatwick with stolen items worth almost £2,000 in their suitcase. The thefts funded their lavish lifestyles, including cosmetic surgery, and were done to order with significant planning.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal.

24 Sep 2024

Laura Epitropou

Conspiracy to steal *

Sentence

2 years and 6 months imprisonment

Laura Epitropou, 45, and her sister Georgina stole high-value perfumes, make-up and other cosmetics from duty-free shops at Gatwick Airport, estimated to be worth at least £80,000, over a 10-month period up to September 2022. They sold the items via online marketplaces or direct to purchasers, making around £40,000. Laura took 21 flights from Gatwick, mainly to Edinburgh, with Georgina joining later. On one occasion, they stole 73 items worth almost £8,000. They were arrested boarding a flight to Belfast from Gatwick with stolen items worth almost £2,000 in their suitcase. The thefts funded their lavish lifestyles, including cosmetic surgery, and were done to order with significant planning.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and acquiring criminal property.

24 Sep 2024

Ryan Evans

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with a minimum of 23 years

Ryan Evans murdered Holly Sanchez, a 32-year-old mother-of-five, at his bungalow in Oates Walk, Crawley, West Sussex, on May 13, 2023. She suffered multiple injuries during an abusive and controlling relationship. Neighbours reported incidents of Evans dragging her by the hair through the street and punching her in the face. Despite being on bail with conditions not to contact her, Evans continued his violent behaviour, leading to her death. Police had been called to prior incidents of abuse in March and April 2023.

Found guilty of murder, unlawful wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour. He was on police bail at the time of the murder and had denied the allegations.

13 Sep 2024

Anas Al Mustafa

Assisting unlawful migration *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Anas Al Mustafa trafficked seven people, including six men and one woman, in a concealed compartment of a specially-adapted van from Dieppe, France, to Newhaven, East Sussex, on February 16, 2024. The migrants were deprived of oxygen and water, leading to severe conditions such as dehydration, a possible heart attack, acute kidney injury, and a stroke for one man. They were discovered screaming for help during the ferry journey, prompting an emergency response. Crew members used an axe to free them from the compartment, which was extremely narrow and forced them to stand without movement.

Convicted of assisting unlawful migration. Pleaded not guilty and claimed ignorance of the migrants in the van. Judge Christine Laing KC ordered forfeiture of the van, telephone, and SIM card, and commented on the risks to national safety and exploitation of desperate people.

6 Sep 2024

August 2024 4 cases

Graham Head

Kidnap, Attempted Rape, and Sexual Assault *

Sentence

23 years imprisonment

Graham Head posed as a fake Uber driver to target vulnerable young women in Brighton. In August 2022, he picked up a 19-year-old woman and took her to a park, where he attempted to sexually assault her, causing injuries including bloodied knees, bruising, and grazes. In November 2022, he offered a free ride to a 25-year-old mother, then attempted to remove her clothing in his car, which contained items like latex gloves, Viagra, condoms, and a balaclava. He was apprehended after the victim memorised part of his personalised number plate and fought him off.

Convicted twice for the same offences; maintains innocence despite overwhelming evidence; described by the judge as a sexual predator who poses a significant risk to women; original sentence reimposed after appeal.

29 Aug 2024

Nigel Evendon

Participation in an Organised Crime Group *

Sentence

9.5 years imprisonment

Nigel Evendon was involved in a UK-wide organised drug supply operation, one of the biggest in Sussex. Police executed a warrant at his address in Eastbourne Road, Halland, near Lewes, on 26 February 2024, seizing 3kg of ketamine, 500g of cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), multiple bags of cannabis, four bags of magic mushrooms, £700 in cash, and various offensive weapons including truncheons, knives, and firearms. The investigation began in 2023, and Evendon was arrested at the property.

Pleaded guilty to participation in an organised crime group, possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs, and possessing prohibited firearms and offensive weapons. Detective Sergeant Jason Vickers commented on the seriousness of the offences and the removal of illegal drugs and weapons from the streets.

29 Aug 2024

Rawad Bastawi

Rape *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment

Rawad Bastawi, 31, of no fixed address, raped and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl at a property in Whitehawk, Brighton, in December 2023. He plied the victim and her friends with alcohol and cannabis over a number of days, abusing their trust. He knew all three girls involved in the accusations. Officers from Sussex Police arrested him on 9 January 2024.

Convicted after a two-week trial of raping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl; acquitted of raping a 15-year-old girl and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. Placed on the sex offenders register and served with a sexual offences prevention order restricting contact with teenage girls. Did not plead guilty, forcing victims to give evidence.

24 Aug 2024

William Jones

Burglary *

Sentence

2 years and 2 months imprisonment and £228 in costs

William Jones, 30, of Butts Field, Horsham, committed a series of burglaries, thefts, and frauds targeting vulnerable people between February and April 2024. He broke into properties by forcing entry through gates and fences, stealing items worth around £500 to £200, and defrauded elderly victims by offering gardening work and demanding upfront payments, including tricking a 75-year-old woman into withdrawing £1,000. He also stole shotguns from another property and was involved in additional thefts and driving offences.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Was on licence for similar offences previously.

7 Aug 2024

July 2024 4 cases

Alan Burren

Arson *

Sentence

1 year and 8 months imprisonment

Alan Burren, 48, started fires at the KFC restaurant in South Road, Haywards Heath, on November 3 and March 10. On November 3, he entered the toilets, started a fire, and left without alerting staff. On March 10, he started another fire in the toilets, which was discovered by a member of the public amid smoke. Additionally, on January 5, he damaged a room at the Premier Inn in Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, by using a permanent marker on mirrors and sofas and cutting tools on furniture. He was arrested near Clair Park after the March incident and was found in possession of cocaine, though that was handled in a separate hearing.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of arson and one count of criminal damage. Detective Inspector Lee Simmonds noted that Burren's actions were reckless and put lives at risk, and he was linked to the crimes via CCTV evidence.

25 Jul 2024

Jack Reeder

Robbery *

Sentence

2 years and 10 months imprisonment

On May 10, Jack Reeder, while heavily intoxicated, entered a shop in Shoreham and stole a packet of crisps. He then entered a Co-op store in Ham Road, demanded money from the till, and threatened a shop worker with a hammer before running away. Witnesses saw him eating breakfast in a nearby café and removing the hammer from a sock, after which he left the area via bus. He was later identified by witnesses and handed himself in following a public appeal.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and theft from a shop. He was heavily intoxicated at the time of the offence.

22 Jul 2024

Stephen Marsh

Indecent assault *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

Stephen Marsh, 54, of Firle Road, Brighton, sexually abused teenage girls over a period of 21 years, grooming them as young as 10. He covertly filmed his victims in their homes, used his job as a nightclub doorman to befriend girls and gain their trust, and befriended victims' families for unsupervised access. He lured children into his home by offering to let them see and be photographed with his snakes and tortoises. Marsh was arrested in November last year.

Convicted by jury of four counts of indecent assault, having child porn and voyeurism after a seven-week trial. Admitted two counts of having extreme pornography relating to sex acts with animals at an earlier hearing on 22 June. Previously pleaded not guilty to having extreme pornography and two counts of having ammunition without a firearms licence, later changed plea to guilty.

22 Jul 2024

James Wadhawan

Engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 and child abduction *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

James Wadhawan, 35, of Penalverne Crescent in Penzance, was issued a Child Abduction Warning Notice in January 2024 following reports of inappropriate contact with a teenage girl. On March 9, 2024, he was seen with the victim in Lancing and arrested. He was released on bail with strict conditions but was found with the girl again on March 13, 2024, on a bridge in Lancing, leading to his arrest. He was charged with two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 and one count of child abduction, and remanded in custody.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Given an indefinite restraining order against the victim and required to be a registered sex offender for life. Detective Chief Inspector Mehdi Fallahi described him as a predatory offender.

1 Jul 2024

June 2024 5 cases

Oliver Mcdonald

Strangulation and Assault *

Sentence

2 years and 9 months imprisonment, 10-year restraining order, and £228 surcharge

On September 3, 2023, the victim informed Oliver McDonald that she wanted to end their relationship due to his aggressive behaviour over the previous six months. The following day, as she was collecting her belongings from their shared residence in Eastbourne, McDonald approached her, became violent, strangled, punched, and kicked her, and took her mobile phone. She managed to escape, drove to a local police station to report the incident, and McDonald followed her there, leading to his arrest.

Initially pleaded not guilty but changed to guilty on all counts. PC Daniel Turk highlighted the severity of the offender's actions and the victim's bravery and cooperation.

25 Jun 2024

Michael Cole

Inciting sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Between May and October 2023, Michael Cole, 30, of Chestnut Way, Newhaven, posed online as 'Jenny Lane', a 19- to 20-year-old woman from Essex moving to Brighton to study, to trick schoolboys aged 13 to 15 from the Newhaven and Seaford area into sending compromising photographs. He blackmailed them by threatening to share the images unless they sent more. Cole used social media like Facebook and Skype, sending over 50 friend requests. One victim was lured to Cole's home where sexual activity occurred. His aim was to collect erotic photographs for his own gratification, targeting mostly heterosexual boys by deception and introducing his real self to a gay boy.

Pleaded guilty to 13 sex offences at an earlier hearing, including 11 offences of inciting sexual activity with nine boys and two counts of having an indecent image of a child. Issued with a sexual harm prevention order for life and will be a registered sex offender for life.

19 Jun 2024

Anthony Bowles

Burglary *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Anthony Bowles, 31, of Preston Road, Brighton, broke into five houses in Brighton at the start of 2024 using a 'creeper' method, targeting homes late at night or in the early hours while occupants slept. He was arrested by Sussex Police on 4 February 2024 after attempting to use a stolen bankcard, identified via CCTV. A search of his home recovered property linking him to four burglaries, with forensics connecting him to the fifth. Following investigation, he pleaded guilty.

Admitted burgling five properties. Arrested on 4 February after using a stolen bankcard, recognised from CCTV. Property recovered from his home linked him to four burglaries, forensics to another. Detective Sergeant Kate Witt commented on the 'creeper' style burglaries occurring late at night or early morning.

13 Jun 2024

Allan Finn

Supply of crack cocaine and cannabis *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Allan Finn, 32, a window cleaner from Westfield, was convicted of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and cannabis after a two-day trial. He had denied the charges but was found guilty on Wednesday, June 12th.

Denied being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and cannabis but was found guilty following a two-day trial.

12 Jun 2024

James Farmer

Rape *

Sentence

six years imprisonment

James Farmer, 30, of Spracklands in Dinton, near Salisbury, targeted a vulnerable young woman while she was asleep at a property in East Sussex on May 8, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. He had consumed a cocktail of alcohol and drugs before raping her. The victim woke up during the attack, and Farmer told her not to report it, then fled when confronted, evading police. He turned himself in the next day but denied the crime initially. The attack left the victim with ongoing trauma, including nightmares, anxiety, and a loss of dignity and safety.

Pleaded guilty to rape after initially denying it. Had previous convictions for battery and drugs-related offences. Judge Mark van der Zwart noted his troubling childhood, risk to young women, and that he did not fully accept his actions. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order were imposed, and he was placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

4 Jun 2024

May 2024 4 cases

Zahid Naseem

Murder *

Sentence

at least 19 years imprisonment

Zahid Naseem murdered high-class escort Christina Abbotts on her 29th birthday by bludgeoning her 13 times on the back of the head with a ceramic pestle in a flat she was house-sitting in Crawley, West Sussex, on 24 May 2024. The killing was fuelled by cocaine and champagne. Naseem met Ms Abbotts via adultwork.com under her pseudonym Tilly Pexton. They were last seen on CCTV buying Veuve-Clicquot at an Asda supermarket. After the murder, Naseem remained in the flat for 12 hours, drinking, taking drugs, and sending explicit photos to other escorts. Police discovered Ms Abbotts' body on 26 May 2024 after concerned friends alerted them when she missed her birthday party.

Pleaded self-defence but found guilty of murder by jury after four hours of deliberations. Judge Christine Laing noted his stress from unsettled work, obsession with escorts, and out-of-control drugs and alcohol addiction.

30 May 2024

Rhys Hedges

Manslaughter *

Sentence

8 years imprisonment minus time served

Rhys Hedges, 17, from Hellingly, approached 20-year-old Billy Ripley during an altercation in Vicarage Field, Hailsham, on August 29, 2024. The two, who were known to each other, engaged in a verbal exchange that escalated in an alleyway near The Hailsham Club. Hedges stabbed Ripley once in the chest, leading to Ripley's collapse and death at the scene despite efforts by paramedics. Hedges fled but was quickly arrested at an address in Hailsham and remanded in custody.

Found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter following a trial.

23 May 2024

Ian Elliott

Rape *

Sentence

27 years imprisonment

Ian Elliott, a 71-year-old serial sex offender, admitted to carrying out a campaign of rape and other offences against four vulnerable men. He plied his victims with alcohol and/or drugs to facilitate the crimes, with one victim being raped 11 times. The offences included premeditated abuse of his position in society, and he attempted to pervert the course of justice by trying to destroy evidence. The crimes spanned a period where victims recalled little due to their impaired state.

Pled guilty to 43 offences, including 37 sex offences. No previous convictions. The sentence was increased by the Court of Appeal as it was deemed unduly lenient, with judges noting the premeditated nature of the crimes and abuse of vulnerable victims.

16 May 2024

Armin Mehdikhani-Sarvejahani

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment

Armin Mehdikhani-Sarvejahani stabbed 17-year-old Mustafa Momand with a kitchen knife in broad daylight in central Brighton on October 5, 2023. Mustafa ran away from him before collapsing in the street.

Sentenced for the murder of Mustafa Momand. He was 16 years old at the time of the offence.

2 May 2024

April 2024 2 cases

Richard Slater

Attempted robbery *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Richard Slater, a 62-year-old labourer from Walmer Crescent, Bevendean, Brighton, attempted to rob the Coombe Road Convenience Store at about 7.30am on Sunday 21 October 2023. He threatened shopkeeper Tario Rahman with a 6in knife and demanded money while wearing a hood. Mr Rahman, 45, who was alone in the shop, fought off the raider using a chair leg. Slater fled empty-handed but took the chair leg, which he dumped in a nearby alleyway.

Convicted of attempted robbery and possession of a knife. The court regarded the offence seriously due to the use of a knife against a lone shopkeeper.

29 Apr 2024

Ergest Tarja

Conspiring to supply cocaine *

Sentence

six years and six months imprisonment

Ergest Tarja, 31, an Albanian national who had been in the UK using false IDs, led a gang that formed part of a complex network supplying around 20 kilograms of cocaine between London and Sussex over a period of two to three years. He used a special EncroChat phone to send and receive encrypted calls and messages to organise the buying and selling of cocaine, including helping to sell 5 kilograms between March 2020 and April 2021. His involvement was uncovered through messages accessed by French Police experts.

Already serving a four-year sentence for other offences. The sentence was later referred to the Court of Appeal and increased to nine years as it was deemed unduly lenient.

25 Apr 2024

March 2024 8 cases

Sidney Thorpe

Rape *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Sidney Thorpe, 76, originally from Brighton but who had moved to Newhaven, carried out a series of rapes and sexual assaults on two girls and a boy aged between 4 and 16 between 1965 and 1980. The victims, now grown up, contacted police two years ago, leading to the investigation.

Found guilty by jury of ten counts of rape, eight counts of indecent assault, one count of gross indecency and three counts of child cruelty. Sentencing brings to an end a protracted and complex police inquiry started two years ago.

23 Mar 2024

Steven Morley

Conspiracy to supply class A, B and C drugs *

Sentence

14 years imprisonment

Steven Morley, 45, of Cherry Way, Felbridge, East Grinstead, used EncroChat handle 'incrediblehorse' to offer supply of almost 300kg of drugs including cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, amphetamine, and ecstasy during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. He acted as a middleman in a sophisticated operation involving production, supply, and importation of about 800kg of drugs worth millions, and ran a cannabis production setup. Arrested in October 2024 as part of Operation Winehouse by Sussex Police.

Pleaded guilty after trial began; previous convictions for cultivating cannabis, drug dealing, and fraud; possessed £184,000 cash and an unlicensed firearm at arrest; invested over £100,000 in cannabis production operation.

17 Mar 2024

Hafiz Irfan

Conspiracy to supply class A, B and C drugs *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

Hafiz Irfan, 44, of Winchester Road, Tilgate, Crawley, used EncroChat handle 'snowtart' to offer supply of 73kg of drugs including cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, amphetamine, and ecstasy during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. He acted as a middleman in a sophisticated operation involving production, supply, and importation of about 800kg of drugs worth millions. Arrested in June 2023 as part of Operation Winehouse by Sussex Police.

Pleaded guilty after trial began; previous convictions for possession of cannabis and possession of cocaine with intent to supply; involved in separate cannabis dealing operation as recently as last year.

17 Mar 2024

Ioannis Melitsis

Conspiracy to supply class A, B and C drugs *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Ioannis Melitsis, also known as Yiannis Melitsis, 48, of Hove Park Villas, Hove, used EncroChat handle 'metalica' to offer supply of almost 300kg of drugs including cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, amphetamine, and ecstasy during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. He acted as a middleman in a sophisticated operation involving production, supply, and importation of about 800kg of drugs worth millions. Arrested in June 2023 as part of Operation Winehouse by Sussex Police.

Pleaded guilty after trial began; previous conviction for possession of cocaine; subject to a three-year driving ban after being caught driving under the influence of cocaine; held drug meetings near Hove railway station and car wash; evidence showed genuine offers to supply drugs.

17 Mar 2024

Mitch Moon Mellor

Conspiracy to supply class A, B and C drugs *

Sentence

13.5 years imprisonment

Mitch Moon Mellor, 44, of Warnham Rise, Brighton, used EncroChat handle 'speedyballoon' and later 'easternotter' to arrange the supply of 135kg of drugs including cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, amphetamine, and ecstasy during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. He acted as a middleman in a sophisticated operation involving production, supply, and importation of about 800kg of drugs worth millions. Arrested in June 2023 as part of Operation Winehouse by Sussex Police.

Pleaded guilty after trial began; no previous drug convictions but prior drink driving; father of three running a food delivery business; involved in separate cannabis operation.

17 Mar 2024

Joseph Clinch

Burglary *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Joseph Clinch, 31, of Springhill Road, Bexhill, along with Xavier Montag and Reggie Burgess, broke into a property in Vernon Terrace, Brighton, on 9 June 2023, stealing 2.5kg of cocaine, 6.5kg of cannabis resin, and a large quantity of psilocybin. They had planned the burglary, purchasing tools such as a spade, pliers, and a screwdriver beforehand, and made multiple attempts before succeeding. The group was stopped by police in Brighton later that day, where the drugs were found in their car.

Pleaded guilty to burglary and having class A and B drugs with intent to supply.

16 Mar 2024

Xavier Montag

Burglary *

Sentence

2 years and 2 months imprisonment

Xavier Montag, 35, of Doleham Hill, Doleham, near Hastings, along with Joseph Clinch and Reggie Burgess, broke into a property in Vernon Terrace, Brighton, on 9 June 2023, stealing 2.5kg of cocaine, 6.5kg of cannabis resin, and a large quantity of psilocybin. They had planned the burglary, purchasing tools such as a spade, pliers, and a screwdriver beforehand, and made multiple attempts before succeeding. The group was stopped by police in Brighton later that day, where the drugs were found in their car.

Pleaded guilty to burglary and having class B drugs with intent to supply.

16 Mar 2024

Reggie Burgess

Burglary *

Sentence

1 year imprisonment

Reggie Burgess, 19, of Old London Road, Hastings, along with Joseph Clinch and Xavier Montag, broke into a property in Vernon Terrace, Brighton, on 9 June 2023, stealing 2.5kg of cocaine, 6.5kg of cannabis resin, and a large quantity of psilocybin. They had planned the burglary, purchasing tools such as a spade, pliers, and a screwdriver beforehand, and made multiple attempts before succeeding. The group was stopped by police in Brighton later that day, where the drugs were found in their car.

Pleaded guilty to burglary.

16 Mar 2024

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

Offence names marked with an asterisk (*) reflect descriptions used in media reporting and may not correspond to the formal legal charge or indictment. Sentencing details are as reported and may be subject to subsequent appeal, variation, or correction by the courts.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The presence of a name on this page does not imply guilt, and some listed individuals may have had convictions overturned, sentences reduced, or charges withdrawn after the date of publication.

We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any court, government body, or law enforcement agency. While we endeavour to ensure the accuracy of all information, we accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this data. If you believe any entry is inaccurate, outdated, or should be removed, please submit a removal request using the icon on the relevant entry or contact us directly.

No sentences found matching your search.

Showing 1-50 of 107 results

182 High St, Lewes BN7 1YB, Lewes, BN7 1YB, United Kingdom

+441273480400

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 16:30

Get Directions

About Lewes Crown Court

Lewes Crown Court, located in Lewes, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 107 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Lewes area. Crown Courts sit with a judge and jury, and have the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

The court can be found at 182 High St, Lewes BN7 1YB, BN7 1YB.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441273480400.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.

Nearby Courts

Brighton Magistrates Court

Magistrates Court

Brighton, Brighton

11.5 km away

Worthing Magistrates Court

Magistrates Court

Worthing

27.7 km away

Crawley Magistrates Court

Magistrates Court

Crawley

30.3 km away

Hastings Magistrates Court

Magistrates Court

Hastings

39.1 km away

Sevenoaks Magistrates Court

Magistrates Court

Sevenoaks

46.8 km away

Croydon Magistrates Court

Magistrates Court

Croydon

56.0 km away

Lewes Crown Court Sentencing Results

Gerald Peck

Leighton Ashby

Oakley Hollands

James Gathercole

Daniel Cleveland

Thomas Murphy

George Leighton

Endri Lamaj

Jessie Hearne

Rita Cooney

Gianpaulo Bambi

Russell King

Adrian West

Momade Jussab

Joshua Crompton

Ian Charles Silvester

David Lennon

Robbie Cook

Thames Water

Georgina Epitropou

Laura Epitropou

Ryan Evans

Anas Al Mustafa

Graham Head

Nigel Evendon

Rawad Bastawi

William Jones

Alan Burren

Jack Reeder

Stephen Marsh

James Wadhawan

Oliver Mcdonald

Michael Cole

Anthony Bowles

Allan Finn

James Farmer

Zahid Naseem

Rhys Hedges

Ian Elliott

Armin Mehdikhani-Sarvejahani

Richard Slater

Ergest Tarja

Sidney Thorpe

Steven Morley

Hafiz Irfan

Ioannis Melitsis

Mitch Moon Mellor

Joseph Clinch

Xavier Montag

Reggie Burgess

About Lewes Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Brighton Magistrates Court

Worthing Magistrates Court

Crawley Magistrates Court

Hastings Magistrates Court

Sevenoaks Magistrates Court

Croydon Magistrates Court

Request Removal