Lewes Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 223 verdicts at Lewes Crown Court (Lewes). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

July 2024 5 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

Wade Ian Crosweller

Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Wade Ian Crosweller, 23, from The Crestway in Hollingdean, Brighton, attacked a 30-year-old man from Hove in Meeting House Lane, Brighton, shortly after midnight on 21 November 2023. He struck the victim several times from behind with a wheel brace, fracturing his skull, causing a serious laceration to his right ear, and various cuts and bruises. The assault was described as a particularly violent attack.

Admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and having a wheel brace as an offensive weapon. Received a one-year sentence for the offensive weapon charge to run concurrently. Ordered to pay a £120 victim surcharge.

9 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 6 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

Wayne Metcalfe

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

six months in prison, suspended for two years

Wayne Metcalfe caused the death of 34-year-old motorcyclist Jacek Sawa by dangerous driving on Davigdor Road in Hove at 6.25am on 28 August 2023. The crash involved Metcalfe's car and Sawa's motorcycle; Sawa died at the scene. Metcalfe, aged 69 from Clifton Road, Newhaven, was driving with defective eyesight.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving with defective eyesight. Disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to do 100 hours community service.

21 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 14 cases

Robert Parr

Rape *

Sentence

18 months probation order

Robert Parr, of Honeysuckle Drive, Bognor, raped Tina Roper in Surrey in 1973.

Found guilty of raping her in 1973.

26 Mar 2024

Hamza Adanir

Possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Hamza Adanir, 26, of The Green, Ealing, was spotted by police on patrol being flagged down by a member of the public in Sillwood Street, Brighton in February. Adanir and his customer entered a property together, and within 10 seconds, Adanir reemerged. Officers detained and searched him, finding ketamine, cocaine, cannabis, and cash in his possession. He was arrested for possession with intent to supply.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

24 Mar 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shane Brett

Theft of a motor vehicle *

Sentence

26 months imprisonment

Shane Brett stole an Asda van from Sovereign Harbour Retail Park in Pevensey Bay Road, Eastbourne, at around 6.20am on Friday 30 January 2024. He led police on a chase and was stopped in The Fairway, Newhaven. A drugs wipe showed he tested positive for cocaine. He was arrested and charged the next day with theft of a motor vehicle, burglary other than a dwelling, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, and driving without third party insurance.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Banned from driving for four years.

12 Mar 2024

Sahil Ali

Rape *

Sentence

18 years imprisonment

Over two years from 2022 to 2024, Sahil Ali, 21, from Shoreham-by-Sea, used social media to contact three teenage girls, turning conversations coercive with demands enforced by physical force, leading to repeated sexual assaults. He drove the girls to isolated areas and raped them multiple times, strangled one victim, and sexually assaulted another by penetration.

Convicted on seven counts of rape, one count of intentional strangulation, and one count of sexual assault by penetration. Described by Judge Justice Rose as a 'dangerous predator'. Additional five years on licence. Must join the sex offenders register indefinitely and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricting contact with children and internet use.

8 Mar 2024

Michael Sickelmore

Rape and Grievous Bodily Harm *

Sentence

8 years and 2 months imprisonment

Michael Sickelmore, retired, of Cliff Gardens, Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven, raped Tina Roper several times and caused her grievous bodily harm, all in Brighton over nearly 20 years up to 1997.

Found guilty of raping her several times and causing grievous bodily harm over nearly 20 years up to 1997.

6 Mar 2024

Alyn Matless

Indecent assault and gross indecency with a child *

Sentence

5.5 years imprisonment

Alyn Matless committed a series of sex attacks on four young girls, aged between 3 and 12 years old and known to him, over separate periods from 1962 to 1989 in Hove and East Sussex.

Found guilty after a three-day retrial of 21 offences. Detective Constable Martyn Milligan noted the victims' willingness to come forward contributed to bringing Matless to justice.

3 Mar 2024

February 2024 5 cases

Stephen Mcgarry

Possession of indecent images of children *

Sentence

12 months suspended for two years

Stephen McGarry was convicted of keeping a stash of 50 indecent images of children, including four level 5 pictures, the most serious level. The charges followed an investigation by the Sussex Police Paedophile On-Line Investigation Team (POLIT).

Required to register as a sex offender for 10 years and served with a 10-year sexual offence prevention order. Previously convicted between 1970 and 1995 of eight indecent assault and gross indecency offences against boys aged under 16.

28 Feb 2024

Not Stated

Racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress *

Sentence

3 weeks imprisonment

The 57-year-old Edinburgh man racially abused staff who stopped him from traveling without a ticket after he got on a train at Brighton Railway station. When asked to leave the train, he refused and became threatening and abusive towards staff. He also racially abused a British Transport Police officer when arrested.

Pleaded guilty to racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress and two basic offences of intentional harassment, alarm or distress. Judge stated that if not for the racial aggravation, the initial sentence would have been two weeks imprisonment.

27 Feb 2024

Patrick Lee

Money laundering *

Sentence

3.5 years imprisonment

From 2003 to 2011, Patrick Lee, with apparently limited means and no obvious legitimate income, had about £4 million pass through his accounts. A number of transactions were identified as passing through accounts of Lee and the Wakes or accounts operated by them. The court found that the funds transferred represented criminal property.

Convicted of ten counts of money laundering. Some crimes linked to offences committed by Clifford and Julia Wake.

22 Feb 2024

Tobias Kingsley Dynes

Rape *

Sentence

13½ years imprisonment

Tobias Kingsley Dynes, 29, of Frederick Gardens, Brighton, raped a 27-year-old woman while on the run from police. He blackmailed her over several months, demanding increasing sums of money, and subjected her to violent threats against her and her three children, causing her to flee to Liverpool. He continued threats to force her to withdraw statements to police after she reported him to Sussex Police.

Sentenced after a week-long trial. Judge at Lewes Crown Court. Detective Constable Robin Aspin described him as a violent and manipulative man.

21 Feb 2024

Andrew Jones

Causing actual bodily harm *

Sentence

three and a half years imprisonment

Andrew Jones subjected his 40-year-old ex-partner to a prolonged and violent attack in her flat in Hove in December, kicking and punching her and leaving her with severe bruising and cuts all over her face and body. The incident was reported via ambulance service after she arrived at work with injuries. Officers forced entry to her address, found Jones present, and arrested him despite her initial denial. Careful police work led to her disclosure.

Pled guilty to causing actual bodily harm. The victim was supported by local uniform officers and specialist Anti-Victimisation Unit detectives.

18 Feb 2024

January 2024 4 cases

Thomas Waeling

Attempted Murder *

Sentence

13 years imprisonment and 3 years extended licence, plus 9 months concurrent for possessing a knife

Thomas Waeling, then 17, armed himself with a large knife following an argument with his father and stabbed 50-year-old Sarah Taylor multiple times as she walked home from Lidl in Hastings on May 15, 2023. He had previously told a friend he intended to stab the first person he saw. The incident occurred near Bohemia Road around 8pm, where Ms Taylor sustained life-changing injuries, including severe post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of sensation in 30% of her arm, and inability to play her musical instrument, which was her source of income. Emergency services and members of the public intervened to save her life. Waeling fled the scene, discarded the knife in a public toilet, and asked a friend to burn his clothes.

Found guilty of attempted murder after a trial. Judge Christine Laing KC described the attack as 'utterly senseless' and motivated solely by his bad mood after an argument with his father. The defendant expressed remorse through his defence.

26 Jan 2024

Arnand Rruci

Rape and drug dealing *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment for rape and 3 years for drug dealing, total 9 years

Arnand Rruci, 28, of Old Shoreham Road, Brighton, raped a 20-year-old woman after meeting her at Lola Lo club in East Street in June 2023. He took her to his flat where the attack occurred. The victim left the next morning and raised the alarm. He was arrested ten days later by Sussex Police using CCTV evidence from the club. He also admitted to drug-related offenses.

Found guilty of two counts of rape by jury. Admitted three counts of dealing drugs and possession of cocaine and cannabis. Will be deported to Albania upon release.

22 Jan 2024

Giuseppe Panto

Making an indecent image of a child *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

Giuseppe Panto, 53, a waiter from Portland Road, Hove, was involved in offences relating to indecent images of children. The child images comprised 30 videos and 70 still images. The prosecution resulted from an intelligence-led investigation by officers from the Sussex Police Paedophile On-Line Investigation Team (POLIT) who executed a search warrant at Panto's address in Portland Road in October 2023. A computer and related devices were seized. There was no evidence of ‘contact’ offending and none of the images are believed to be of local children. Information was received that Panto had been distributing indecent images of children via the Internet.

Pleaded guilty to two offences of making an indecent image of a child, and one offence of possessing an extreme prohibited pornographic image. Required to be a Registered Sex Offender for 10 years and served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to last until further court notice, severely restricting his access to computers and children.

15 Jan 2024

Dean Thompson

Online sexual offences against children *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Dean Thompson, 24, of Hamilton Close, Portslade, groomed young girls aged between 11 and 15 years via social media including Facebook, Kick and Skype, and by texting, inciting them to perform sexual acts online and attempting to meet them for sex. The offences occurred since 2010, with most victims local to the area and one from outside Sussex. There was no physical contact or meetings with victims. The offending came to light in 2012 after messaging a 12-year-old girl, leading to arrest but insufficient evidence initially; a further victim in 2013 provided leads confirming contact with multiple girls.

Admitted three counts of attempting to meet a child under 16 years, two counts of inciting a girl under 16 years to watch something sexual, five counts of inciting five girls under the age of 16 to engage in sexual behaviour and two counts of offering to supply cocaine to two separate girls under 16 years. Also given a Sexual Offence Prevention Order (SOPO) for life and will be a registered sex offender for life on release.

12 Jan 2024

December 2023 1 case

Richard Sutton

Money laundering *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and 200 hours unpaid work

Richard Sutton was stopped by police on Friday 30 December 2022 while driving into Brighton from London on the A23 at Pyecombe, where he was found with £9,900 in cash. He could not explain the source of the money, had no legitimate income and was on benefits. Examination of his mobile phones revealed messages indicating involvement in drug dealing. A search of his home uncovered evidence of a drug habit. The cash was determined to be proceeds of drug-related crime.

Pleaded guilty to money laundering. Judge David Rennie issued a confiscation order for £9,900. Prior convictions for burglary and drug-related offences taken into account. Judge warned that any breach would result in imprisonment.

4 Dec 2023

November 2023 8 cases

Chris Moodey

Robbery *

Sentence

3 years and 7 months imprisonment

Chris Moodey, 33, of Harrington Road, Brighton, robbed four convenience stores in Brighton over three days from 2 July to 4 July. He targeted Corner News and Booze on Upper Hollingdean Road on 2 July, the post office store in Preston Drove on 3 July, N&M Stores in Upper Lewes Road on 4 July, and St Mary’s convenience store in Upper Hamilton Road on 4 July. He was armed with a knife on two occasions. No one was injured in the incidents.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery and two charges of having an offensive weapon. Also admitted a charge of fraud.

28 Nov 2023

Shareef Mohammed Ruhomally

Causing death by careless driving while over the limit *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Shareef Mohammed Ruhomally, 30, of Glynn Road, Peacehaven, was driving a BMW 318L with three colleagues from Poundland in London Road, Brighton, when he crashed into a Skoda Octavia taxi just after midnight on Thursday 27 November 2022, in Warren Road on the Race Hill in Brighton. He had been drinking, with 83 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, exceeding the legal limit of 80 micrograms. The crash killed 19-year-old Alex Jackson, who was in the front passenger seat, and injured Chantelle Marriott and Scott Hammond. The taxi driver suffered minor injuries.

Convicted after a three-day trial. Banned from driving for five years after release. Judge commented on his appalling driving record and attempt to minimise his actions.

13 Nov 2023

Jason Newsom

Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Jason Newsom, 35, of Preston Drove, Brighton, stabbed his girlfriend Tyi Denton in the body, back and legs with a 10in chef’s knife after she threatened to leave him. He also tried to strangle and smother her. The attack took place in April 2023 at Denton’s flat in South Coast Road, Peacehaven, which the couple shared. She left the flat and went to a nearby sandwich shop where staff called for an ambulance upon seeing her bloodstained clothes. Newsom left the scene but was found and arrested four days later. He also admitted causing her actual bodily harm in an attack at their previous home in Lorna Road, Hove, towards the end of 2022, which came to light during the investigation by the Sussex Police Anti-Victimisation Unit.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and causing actual bodily harm. Given an indefinite restraining order preventing contact with the victim. Changed plea to guilty on the first day of trial after initially denying charges.

8 Nov 2023

Attila Kolompar

Trafficking women for sexual exploitation *

Sentence

2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Attila Kolompar, 37, was part of a gang of eight that trafficked more than 60 vulnerable women to Britain and forced them to work as prostitutes in brothels in Brighton, Eastbourne, Gatwick, Folkestone, and Margate, including one on the Sussex University campus at Falmer. The women, in their teens and twenties, were made to work shifts of up to 12 hours a day, seeing 10-15 men for sex, charged £100 per hour but kept only 10% of earnings while enduring threats and violence. Kolompar made over £5,000 a month bringing women to Britain and escorting them between brothels.

Admitted trafficking women for sexual exploitation. Acted as chaperone and driver. Extradited from Hungary in March.

7 Nov 2023

Edward Phillips

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 16 years

Edward Phillips, 49, with links to Brighton, along with Michael Clark, carried out the murder of homeless Lea Williams in February 2023 near Portland Road, Hove, at the behest of Lauren Bishop. Williams, an alcoholic who had moved to Brighton and Hove from Hastings about a year prior, was beaten 20 to 30 times, possibly with a metal railing he kept for protection, resulting in injuries to his face and head from a heavy object, several broken ribs, and his death. The attack occurred after Bishop confronted Williams for swearing at another person while drinking with homeless friends. Phillips received sexual favours from Bishop as a reward.

Found guilty of murder after a five-week trial. Claimed to be a good friend to the victim but participated in the attack for sexual favours from Bishop and tried to blame Clark.

4 Nov 2023

Michael Clark

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 16 years

Michael Clark, 51, of Trafalgar Street, Brighton, along with Edward Phillips, carried out the murder of homeless Lea Williams in February 2023 near Portland Road, Hove, at the behest of Lauren Bishop. Williams, an alcoholic who had moved to Brighton and Hove from Hastings about a year prior, was beaten 20 to 30 times, possibly with a metal railing he kept for protection, resulting in injuries to his face and head from a heavy object, several broken ribs, and his death. The attack occurred after Bishop confronted Williams for swearing at another person while drinking with homeless friends.

Found guilty of murder after a five-week trial. Claimed to have suffered blackouts and had no memory of the incident.

4 Nov 2023

Lauren Bishop

Conspiring to murder *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Lauren Bishop, 36, a nurse and mother of four from Eastbourne Road, Seaford, instigated the murder of homeless Lea Williams in February 2023 near Portland Road, Hove, by confronting him after he swore at another person while drinking with homeless friends, including Clark and Phillips, and threatening that it wasn’t over. She requested Clark and Phillips to carry out the attack. Williams, an alcoholic who had moved to Brighton and Hove from Hastings about a year prior and was sleeping in an archway under the promenade in Kingsway, Hove, was beaten 20 to 30 times, possibly with a metal railing he kept for protection, resulting in fatal injuries to his face and head from a heavy object and several broken ribs. Bishop later offered sexual favours to Phillips as a reward.

Found guilty of conspiring to murder after a five-week trial. Instigated the attack by confronting the victim and requesting Clark and Phillips to carry it out.

4 Nov 2023

Rachel Suarez

Robbery *

Sentence

6 months custody suspended for 2 years

Rachel Suarez, 29, from Egremont Place, Brighton, participated in the robbery of the Corner News and Booze shop in Brighton on 2 July, accompanied by Chris Moodey who was armed with a knife. No one was injured in the incident.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Ordered to pay £120 in compensation.

4 Nov 2023

October 2023 1 case

Joshua Brinkley

Arson *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Joshua Brinkley, aged 20 of Southfield in Polegate, and Connor Luck deliberately started multiple arson fires across Sussex between June and November 2021, targeting abandoned buildings, agricultural barns, farmland, haybales, and a vehicle, causing extensive damage and disruption estimated at £1,117,825. The incidents included a blaze at a derelict property in Horsham on 26 June 2021, a fire in Wivelsfield Green on 8 July 2021, outbuildings in Lower Willingdon on 29 August 2021, a barn in Beddingham on 2 November 2021, hay bales in Rathfinny on 4 November 2021, barns in Tarring Neville on 6 November 2021, a silver Vauxhall Corsa in Ringmer on 7 November 2021, and haybales near Litlington Road in Seaford on 7 November 2021. All fires were confirmed as arson. Brinkley was charged with seven counts of arson. The attacks were committed for amusement, resulting in loss of a season's feed and bedding for farmers, with no serious injuries but potential for tragedy.

Pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

30 Oct 2023

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.

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

+441273480400

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 16:30

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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 223 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.

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Lewes Crown Court Sentencing Results

Alan Burren

Jack Reeder

Stephen Marsh

Wade Ian Crosweller

James Wadhawan

Oliver Mcdonald

Wayne Metcalfe

Michael Cole

Anthony Bowles

Allan Finn

James Farmer

Zahid Naseem

Rhys Hedges

Ian Elliott

Armin Mehdikhani-Sarvejahani

Richard Slater

Ergest Tarja

Robert Parr

Hamza Adanir

Sidney Thorpe

Steven Morley

Mitch Moon Mellor

Ioannis Melitsis

Hafiz Irfan

Joseph Clinch

Reggie Burgess

Xavier Montag

Shane Brett

Sahil Ali

Michael Sickelmore

Alyn Matless

Stephen Mcgarry

Not Stated

Patrick Lee

Tobias Kingsley Dynes

Andrew Jones

Thomas Waeling

Arnand Rruci

Giuseppe Panto

Dean Thompson

Richard Sutton

Chris Moodey

Shareef Mohammed Ruhomally

Jason Newsom

Attila Kolompar

Edward Phillips

Michael Clark

Lauren Bishop

Rachel Suarez

Joshua Brinkley

About Lewes Crown Court

Nearby Courts

Brighton Magistrates Court

Worthing Magistrates Court

Crawley Magistrates Court

Hastings Magistrates Court

Sevenoaks Magistrates Court

Croydon Magistrates Court

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