Lewes Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 367 verdicts at Lewes Crown Court (Lewes). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

April 2011 1 case

Francis Bridgeman

Perverting the course of justice *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

Francis Bridgeman, a 43-year-old city lawyer, crashed his Land Rover Sport into a telegraph pole in Shovers Green, Ticehurst, East Sussex, at about 1am on April 7, 2010, while over the drink-drive limit. To avoid arrest, he fabricated a story of being kidnapped by armed men from Wadhurst railway station car park, driven off at knifepoint with a bag over his head, and dumped in Cousley Wood. Police found his DNA on the airbag, CCTV showed him drunk at London Bridge station, and his breath test confirmed he was just over the limit. He was charged with perverting the course of justice, drink-driving, driving without due care and attention, and failing to report a road accident.

Banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £4,200 costs. Pleaded not guilty; jury found him guilty after a five-day trial. Judge commented on wasting police time and public expense, and quoted Sir Walter Scott's poem Marmion.

7 Apr 2011

March 2011 2 cases

Christopher Smith

Robbery *

Sentence

2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Christopher Smith, 20, from Commonwealth Drive, Crawley, along with Joseph Baldwin and a 15-year-old boy, committed a vicious robbery on Brighton Beach at 11.45pm on Tuesday 9 November 2010. The victim, a 25-year-old man from Croydon, was attacked because the offenders did not like the way he looked at them. The attack involved punching and kicking the victim while he was on the ground and using his head like a football. They stole cash and jewellery but continued the assault despite his pleas to stop. The three were traced to the Brighton Beach Hotel by firearm officers after a hotel key was found at the scene. All three were arrested, and most of the property was recovered from their rooms. The victim suffered a traumatic ordeal, resulting in panic attacks and fear of leaving his house.

Pleaded guilty to robbery and two counts of assaulting a police officer.

25 Mar 2011

Joseph Baldwin

Robbery *

Sentence

2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Joseph Baldwin, 20, from Commonwealth Drive, Crawley, along with Christopher Smith and a 15-year-old boy, committed a vicious robbery on Brighton Beach at 11.45pm on Tuesday 9 November 2010. The victim, a 25-year-old man from Croydon, was attacked because the offenders did not like the way he looked at them. The attack involved punching and kicking the victim while he was on the ground and using his head like a football. They stole cash and jewellery but continued the assault despite his pleas to stop. The three were traced to the Brighton Beach Hotel by firearm officers after a hotel key was found at the scene. All three were arrested, and most of the property was recovered from their rooms. The victim suffered a traumatic ordeal, resulting in panic attacks and fear of leaving his house.

Pleaded guilty to robbery, resisting a police officer, and causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

25 Mar 2011

September 2010 3 cases

Navid Iran

Perverting the course of justice *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Navid Iran, brother of Sean Iran, assisted in covering up the murder of Stefan Welch by helping to dispose of and burn the body on the golf course at The Dyke Golf Club, discovered on 4 September 2009.

Helped cover up the murder by assisting in disposing of the body.

6 Sep 2010

Babak Iran

Perverting the course of justice *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Babak Iran, father of Sean and Navid Iran, helped cover up the murder of Stefan Welch by assisting in the disposal and burning of the body on the golf course at The Dyke Golf Club, discovered on 4 September 2009.

Father of Sean and Navid Iran, assisted his son in covering up the murder after it occurred.

6 Sep 2010

Sean Iran

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 19 years

Sean Iran murdered 36-year-old Stefan Welch by hitting him on the head with a heavy blunt object, motivated by drug debts. Welch's body was dumped and set on fire in undergrowth at The Dyke Golf Club in Devil’s Dyke Road, discovered on 4 September 2009 by Malcolm McNeil. Iran, who met Welch in Lewes Prison in 2008 where Welch saved his life during a beating, betrayed their friendship. Iran and family members conspired to cover up the murder.

Registered sex offender, convicted of murder and conspiring to pervert the course of justice. No remorse shown. Prior convictions for attacking and robbing a 15-year-old boy and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

6 Sep 2010

July 2010 4 cases

Matthew Thole

Conspiracy to defraud *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Matthew Thole, 40, a company director, of Cefn Mably Park, Michaelston-y-Fedw, Cardiff, conspired with others including John McCracken, John Brice, Paul Spicer, Gregory Spicer, and Lee O’Donnell between April 2003 and February 2008 to defraud prospective and actual participants in purported horse race betting and investment services. They dishonestly made false claims, sent glossy brochures promising profits and guarantees, and obtained up to £5 million from unsuspecting investors over six years. The schemes used fictitious names like Tim O’Brien Racing and others, with fraudulent brochures sent unsolicited since 1999.

Convicted after a two-week trial; pleaded not guilty. Judge Richard Hayward presided.

31 Jul 2010

John Brice

Conspiracy to defraud *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

John Brice, 40, self-employed, of Sandringham Drive, Hove, conspired with others including John McCracken, Matthew Thole, Paul Spicer, Gregory Spicer, and Lee O’Donnell between April 2003 and February 2008 to defraud prospective and actual participants in purported horse race betting and investment services. They dishonestly made false claims, sent glossy brochures promising profits and guarantees, and obtained up to £5 million from unsuspecting investors over six years. The schemes used fictitious names like Tim O’Brien Racing and others, with fraudulent brochures sent unsolicited since 1999.

Convicted after a two-week trial; pleaded not guilty. Judge Richard Hayward presided.

31 Jul 2010

John Mccracken

Conspiracy to defraud *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

John McCracken, 47, unemployed, of Whitehawk Road, Brighton, conspired with others including John Brice, Matthew Thole, Paul Spicer, Gregory Spicer, and Lee O’Donnell between April 2003 and February 2008 to defraud prospective and actual participants in purported horse race betting and investment services. They dishonestly made false claims, sent glossy brochures promising profits and guarantees, and obtained up to £5 million from unsuspecting investors over six years. The schemes used fictitious names like Tim O’Brien Racing and others, with fraudulent brochures sent unsolicited since 1999.

Convicted after a two-week trial; pleaded not guilty. Judge Richard Hayward presided.

31 Jul 2010

Kathleen Crane

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

12-month community order, repay £18,721.52, 200 hours unpaid work, £1,550 costs

Kathleen Crane was accused of defrauding the Post Office of £18,721.52 based on shortfalls identified in an audit at the Old Town Post Office in Eastbourne, East Sussex, in January 2010. The shortfalls, which began appearing inexplicably since 2008, were caused by defects in the Post Office's Horizon IT system. Despite requesting investigation, no action was taken. She voluntarily attended an interview with investigators but was charged. Following legal advice that the system was infallible, she pleaded guilty. The case was part of the widespread Post Office scandal affecting hundreds of subpostmasters.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation after legal advice; conviction quashed by Court of Appeal on 25 January 2024 as unsafe due to undisclosed Horizon IT defects.

1 Jul 2010

June 2010 3 cases

Lee O’Donnell

Conspiracy to defraud *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Lee O’Donnell, from Brighton and Hove, conspired with others including Paul Spicer, Gregory Spicer, John McCracken, John Brice, and Matthew Thole between April 2003 and February 2008 to defraud prospective and actual participants in purported horse race betting and investment services. They dishonestly made false claims, sent glossy brochures promising profits and guarantees, and obtained up to £5 million from unsuspecting investors over six years. The schemes used fictitious names like Tim O’Brien Racing and others, with fraudulent brochures sent unsolicited since 1999.

Convicted in June; specific individual sentence not broken down, but total for Spicers and O’Donnell was 15 years.

1 Jun 2010

Paul Spicer

Conspiracy to defraud *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Paul Spicer, from Brighton and Hove, conspired with others including Gregory Spicer, Lee O’Donnell, John McCracken, John Brice, and Matthew Thole between April 2003 and February 2008 to defraud prospective and actual participants in purported horse race betting and investment services. They dishonestly made false claims, sent glossy brochures promising profits and guarantees, and obtained up to £5 million from unsuspecting investors over six years. The schemes used fictitious names like Tim O’Brien Racing and others, with fraudulent brochures sent unsolicited since 1999.

Convicted in June; specific individual sentence not broken down, but total for Spicers and O’Donnell was 15 years.

1 Jun 2010

Gregory Spicer

Conspiracy to defraud *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Gregory Spicer, from Brighton and Hove, conspired with others including Paul Spicer, Lee O’Donnell, John McCracken, John Brice, and Matthew Thole between April 2003 and February 2008 to defraud prospective and actual participants in purported horse race betting and investment services. They dishonestly made false claims, sent glossy brochures promising profits and guarantees, and obtained up to £5 million from unsuspecting investors over six years. The schemes used fictitious names like Tim O’Brien Racing and others, with fraudulent brochures sent unsolicited since 1999.

Convicted in June; specific individual sentence not broken down, but total for Spicers and O’Donnell was 15 years.

1 Jun 2010

December 2009 1 case

Paul Goodenough

Exposure *

Sentence

2 year suspended sentence

Paul Goodenough was found guilty of knowingly or recklessly trespassing on premises with intent to commit a sexual offence on Ditchling Road, Brighton, on 16 August 2008, and Gratwicke Road, Worthing, on 31 January 2009, and of intentionally exposing his genitals intending to cause harm or distress in Brighton on 21 February 2009.

6 months tag (7pm-6am curfew), on sex offenders register for 10 years.

16 Dec 2009

October 2009 1 case

Gordon Brian Redmond

Rape and indecent assault *

Sentence

19 years imprisonment

Gordon Brian Redmond repeatedly raped and indecently assaulted five young girls aged between 10 and 15 over a 20-year period starting in the 1960s. The first victim was indecently assaulted at age 10 and raped from age 11. He indecently assaulted another girl aged 12 in the 1970s, a third victim aged 11, and a 15-year-old girl. A fifth victim, aged 12 at the time, was also abused but had never reported it until traced by police. The abuse was reported to Sussex Police in January 2007, 35 years after the initial offenses.

Found guilty by a jury after a three-year investigation. DC Lou Hays praised the victims' bravery and noted the case's complexity.

1 Oct 2009

May 2009 2 cases

Matthew Fowler

Criminal damage *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

Matthew Fowler, 32, from Brighton, and Richard Markwick, 19, from Lancing, engaged in a four-year vandalism spree from November 2005 to May 2009, spraying graffiti on railways and trains in Brighton and Lancing, causing £30,000 in damage. They risked their lives by accessing dangerous areas with no refuge from trains, trip hazards, and risks of getting feet trapped in railway points. They continued offending after arrest and while on bail. Their trademark tag was 'POSH'.

Pleaded guilty to 21 counts of criminal damage. Admitted to 241 offences. Remanded in custody from September until sentencing. Given a three-year antisocial behaviour order banning him from carrying paint, marker pens, or glass etching or staining equipment.

20 May 2009

Richard Markwick

Criminal damage *

Sentence

15 months in a young offenders' institution

20 May 2009

January 2009 1 case

John Cope

Sexual grooming *

Sentence

1 year imprisonment suspended for 2 years

John Cope, a 44-year-old IT supply teacher at Brighton and Hove High School, sexually groomed a 14-year-old pupil who developed a crush on him. He denied the grooming but was found guilty after a trial. He was arrested in May 2008 and subsequently sacked from the school.

Found guilty after trial on December 7. Also made subject of supervision order, required to sign as Registered Sex Offender, 7pm-7am tagged curfew for 6 months, required to attend sex offender programme, made subject of Sexual Offence Prevention Order, and reported to Independent Safeguarding Authority.

8 Jan 2009

December 2007 1 case

Richard Blackwood

Drug dealing and money laundering *

Sentence

5 years imprisonment

Richard Blackwood was arrested for money laundering in November 2005. In August 2007, while on bail, he was caught selling class A drugs (cocaine and heroin) by undercover officers from Sussex Police. The court was told he had made £81,000 from these activities.

Jailed for eight counts of drug dealing and money laundering. Made £81,000 which was spent on cars, jewellery and foreign travel.

1 Dec 2007

February 2004 1 case

Graham Coutts

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 26 years

On March 14, 2003, Graham Coutts strangled Jane Longhurst, a 31-year-old violinist and special needs teacher, during a sexual assault at his home in Hove, Brighton. He used a pair of tights as a ligature while performing a sex act on himself. After her death, he hid her body in his garden shed for eleven days, then moved it to a storage unit at Big Yellow Storage in Brighton, where he visited it multiple times. On April 17, 2003, he transported the decomposing body to Wiggonholt Common in West Sussex, dumped it in a cardboard box, and set it alight. The remains were discovered on April 19, 2003, and identified by dental records. Evidence included necrophilic images on his computer, traces of her blood on his clothing, and a used condom in the storage unit suggesting post-mortem intercourse.

Judge Richard Hone rejected Coutts' claim that Ms Longhurst consented to the act, stating it was inconceivable she had agreed to what he did.

1 Feb 2004

December 2001 1 case

Roy Whiting

Abduction and murder *

Sentence

life imprisonment

Roy Whiting abducted and murdered 8-year-old Sarah Payne on the evening of 1 July 2000 from a cornfield in Kingston Lane, Kingston Gorse, West Sussex. Her body was discovered in a field near Pulborough, West Sussex, on 17 July 2000. Forensic evidence including fibres from Whiting's white Fiat Ducato van on Sarah's shoe and a strand of her hair found in the van (one-in-a-billion DNA match) linked him to the crime. He had provided a false alibi contradicted by a fuel receipt.

Pleaded not guilty to abduction and murder. Convicted after a four-week trial before Mr Justice Curtis. The trial judge stated it was a rare case in which a life sentence should mean life. Previous convictions for indecent assault and abduction withheld from jury.

12 Dec 2001

August 2000 1 case

Dena Thompson

Deception *

Sentence

3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Dena Thompson deceived multiple men through a web of lies, including fabricating stories of wealth from deals with Walt Disney, faking terminal illnesses, and promising a luxurious life in Florida. She conned victims out of money, such as stealing from bank accounts and credit cards, and was involved in fraudulent activities like bigamy and attempting to claim life insurance. Specifically, for the deception charges, she admitted to offences that included conning men financially while maintaining relationships under false pretenses, with incidents dating back to the early 1990s.

Admitted 15 charges of deception. Judge Michael Hyam described her actions as utterly ruthless and without any pity, noting she thought she would benefit financially from a victim's death.

1 Aug 2000

November 1988 1 case

John Taylor

Rape *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

John Taylor, 37, from St. Leonards, raped a 20-year-old girl at gunpoint. He was imprisoned after a nine-day trial.

Appeal thrown out on Monday.

2 Nov 1988

Date Not Specified 27 cases

Jordan Catt

Supplying heroin *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Jordan Catt, 27, ran a county lines heroin supply operation in Eastbourne between September 2021 and February 2022. He used a 'CJ' phone line to advertise and sell class A drugs. On 10 February, police raided his Pevensey Road home and seized multiple burner phones, which revealed bulk marketing texts to drug users alongside personal calls to a dentist, a veterinary clinic and taxi firms. He pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court and was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Pleaded guilty to supplying heroin. The court heard he ran a county lines operation using a 'CJ' phone line to supply heroin in Eastbourne. Police seized multiple burner phones during a raid at his home.

1 Jan 0001

Jordan Croft

Causing or inciting children to engage in sexual activity *

Sentence

26 years’ imprisonment

Jordan Croft, a 26-year-old man, posed as a teenage boy on social media and messaging apps to befriend vulnerable young girls. He coerced them into providing intimate images, then used the material to blackmail them into performing sexual acts, including on other children, and to sign degrading ‘contracts’ claiming ownership of their bodies. He controlled their daily lives—even requiring permission to use the toilet—and threatened to distribute images to their family and friends. His campaign targeted 26 girls and young women aged between 12 and 22. The National Crime Agency investigation uncovered 906 encrypted images of child sexual abuse on his devices. Croft had boasted about being a paedophile and believed he could not be traced by law enforcement.

Pleaded guilty to 65 offences including causing or inciting children to engage in sexual activity, blackmail and making indecent images of children. Described by Ms Justice Laing as a ‘perverse’ and ‘serial paedophile’ who conducted a ‘lengthy, premeditated campaign of sadistic and manipulative abuse’. Declared extremely dangerous.

1 Jan 0001

Jordan Panice

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Jordan Panice acted as a supplier of large quantities of cannabis to Melik Yalcin's network, sourcing from wholesale suppliers and making a profit without directly handling the drugs. He was also convicted of conspiring to supply Class B drugs and participating in an organised crime group. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 6 November 2023.

Early guilty plea. Supplied cannabis without directly handling the drugs.

1 Jan 0001

Joao-Carlos Jardim Dos Santos Teixeira

Sharing and discussing paedophile material *

Sentence

11 years and four months imprisonment

Joao-Carlos Jardim Dos Santos Teixeira ran a number of online child abuse chat groups, sharing and discussing paedophile material online, including AI generated images.

From Eastbourne, aged 26. NCA officers arrested him at his home in February 2024 and seized devices.

1 Jan 0001

John Armsby

Rape of a child under 13 *

Sentence

24 years imprisonment with a further 4 years on extended licence

John Armsby repeatedly sexually abused two girls under the age of 13 from 2017 to 2022. He was arrested on 26 January 2022 after the offences were reported to Sussex Police. A search of his home found digital devices containing indecent images of children. He was charged with five counts of rape of a child under 13, five counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13, assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, three counts of possessing indecent images of children, and one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child. A jury found him guilty of all charges at Lewes Crown Court on 26 March 2024.

Found guilty by jury. Given indefinite sexual harm prevention order, indefinite restraining orders against both victims, and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life. Detective Constable Annie McGarvey described his crimes as 'sickening and depraved'.

1 Jan 0001

Jamie Vile

Rape and sexual offences against a child *

Sentence

13 years imprisonment

Jamie Vile raped and committed multiple sexual offences against a teenage girl aged between 13 and 15. The offences, including sexual activity with a child and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, took place between 2023 and 2025. He was convicted of six offences following a trial that lasted almost four weeks.

Denied the charges but convicted following a trial. Made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. Not guilty on five other counts.

1 Jan 0001

Jean Dias

Causing serious injury by dangerous driving *

Sentence

2 years and 4 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 5 years

Jean Dias, 44, was driving a Land Rover on the wrong side of the A21 at Vinehall Street near Robertsbridge on 24 January 2023, causing a head-on collision with a white Ford Fiesta. The victim, a 54-year-old man from Hastings, suffered life-changing injuries and continues to be unable to walk unaided more than a year later. Dias claimed a vehicle fault but an investigation found no defects, concluding that the most likely cause was distracted or reckless driving. He was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court.

Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Sentenced by Judge Martin Huseyin. The judge remarked that the case showed the devastating consequences of poor driving.

1 Jan 0001

Jason Lineker

Sexual assault *

Sentence

five-and-a-half years' imprisonment

Jason Lineker sexually assaulted a girl who was then aged under 13, more than six years prior to sentencing. The offence took place in Moulsecoomb Way, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2. He was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict at a five-day trial which included evidence from witnesses and the victim herself.

Convicted by unanimous jury verdict after a five-day trial. Retrial after previous jury failed to agree in November 2020. Registered sex offender for life. Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) until further court order.

1 Jan 0001

Learna Wood

Section 18 grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

3 years and 6 months' imprisonment

Learna Wood assaulted a 43-year-old man on Liverpool Road, Worthing, near the Montague Centre, around 2am on 10 December. She used a Stanley knife to cut off part of his ear and slash his face, causing permanent facial injuries. She was later arrested and pleaded guilty to Section 18 grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife in a public place.

Pleaded guilty. Also ordered to pay £228. Unprovoked assault leaving victim with permanent facial disfigurement.

1 Jan 0001

Lloyd Edwards

Burglary *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment

Lloyd Edwards, 37, unemployed, formerly of Haywood Street, Southwark, entered a staff area of a premises at the North Terminal of London Gatwick Airport at 8pm on February 10, 2023, and stole a wallet containing cash and cards worth £100. He later made purchases at a convenience store. He admitted burglary of a commercial premises.

Pleaded guilty to burglary of a commercial premises.

1 Jan 0001

Ko

Conspiracy to supply class A drugs *

Sentence

Suspended sentence

KO was charged with others with conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Lengthy delay between plea and sentence led to submissions that she should not be sent to prison.

1 Jan 0001

Kr

Sexual assault *

Sentence

Community order

KR admitted sexually assaulting a co-worker on duty.

Full mitigation heard; KR is a doctor.

1 Jan 0001

Kristian Buqa

Conspiracy to supply cocaine *

Sentence

6 years imprisonment

Kristian Buqa received cocaine deliveries from courier Naim Shala at Pavilion Road, Worthing, and prepared the drugs for street sale. He then distributed to drivers Christian Violi and Saimir Jaho for delivery to local customers, as part of the Gesti county line operation that supplied an estimated 4kg of cocaine valued at up to £392,000.

Sentenced by Judge Martin Huseyin at Lewes Crown Court. Took possession of cocaine at Pavilion Road, Worthing, and prepared it for street sale.

1 Jan 0001

Lashaun Kwatia

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, blackmail and causing actual bodily harm *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

On 19 July 2023, a 22-year-old man was taken from a cemetery in Hawthorn Road, Bognor Regis, in a van, threatened with extreme violence, and later stabbed in the leg with a screwdriver. He escaped when the van stopped at traffic lights. The victim had been blackmailed over a £3,000 drug debt. Lashaun Kwatia was arrested two days later. A separate investigation found Kwatia was running the JAY county drugs line, supplying crack cocaine and heroin. A search uncovered Class A drugs, cash and multiple phones. Kwatia, of Linden Grove, Southwark, was convicted of drug supply, blackmail and actual bodily harm, but acquitted of kidnap.

Convicted of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, blackmail and causing actual bodily harm. Found not guilty of kidnap. Also given a 20-year restraining order. Victim described lasting trauma, fear and having to stop work.

1 Jan 0001

Kevin Challen

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order and failing to comply with notification requirements *

Sentence

2 years 7 months imprisonment

Kevin Challen, a convicted sex offender from Worthing, breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order by befriending unsuspecting family friends and messaging a 12-year-old child through deception. He had a previous conviction in March 2021 for possessing indecent images of children, receiving a suspended sentence and being placed on the Sex Offenders Register with a 10-year SHPO. During his suspended sentence, Challen made unlawful contact with the child, who bravely disclosed this to their parents, prompting a Sussex Police investigation. He was charged with three breaches of his SHPO and failing to comply with notification requirements. At Lewes Crown Court he was handed a 31-month custodial sentence.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Sexual Harm Prevention Order amended to run indefinitely. Victim commended for bravery.

1 Jan 0001

Kevin Paul Horne

Sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Kevin Paul Horne, a builder and decorator of Cross-In-Hand, Heathfield, sexually assaulted a teenage girl he knew late one evening while staying at Winchelsea Sands Holiday Village in the summer of 2020.

Convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a child. Registered sex offender for life. Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life, severely restricting access to children under 18.

1 Jan 0001

Js

Manslaughter *

Sentence

Hospital order

JS was charged with the murder of his mother. After obtaining a number of reports, a plea to manslaughter was accepted.

Plea to manslaughter accepted due to significant history of poor mental health.

1 Jan 0001

Justin Collins

Burglary with violence *

Sentence

7 years and 6 months imprisonment

On 2 November 2021 at around 2:50pm, Justin Collins broke into a residential property in Brook Street, Cuckfield. The owner caught him rummaging through a wardrobe. After an altercation in which the victim suffered minor injuries, Collins fled with jewellery worth thousands of pounds. He was arrested on 18 January 2022 and charged with burglary with violence. He pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court and was sentenced on 14 December 2023.

Pleaded guilty to burglary with violence. Caused minor injuries to the victim during an altercation. Arrested on 18 January 2022.

1 Jan 0001

Joshua Mckenzie

Robbery *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

Joshua McKenzie was part of a group of four people who broke into a property in Ersham Road, Hailsham, in the early hours of Saturday 7 October. The 82-year-old victim, Barry Kennett, awoke to find four masked men in his home. They threatened him and demanded money, and he was struck during the incident. Cash was taken. McKenzie's DNA was found at the scene from blood left by the group. He claimed he had been assaulted in Hailsham and that is how his DNA was transferred, but refused to answer further questions. When arrested, police searched his address and found bank notes and weapons including knives, a zombie knife, a metal baseball bat, a paintball gun, face masks and balaclavas. He was found guilty of robbery after a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

Found guilty of robbery after trial at Lewes Crown Court. Recorder Alexander De Santos jailed him. McKenzie was part of a group of four who broke into the victim's home. He was linked by DNA. When arrested, police found bank notes and weapons including knives, a zombie knife, a metal baseball bat, a paintball gun, face masks and balaclavas.

1 Jan 0001

Joshua Keen

Causing serious injuries by careless driving *

Sentence

four-month suspended prison sentence and banned from driving for 1 year

On 16 January 2023, Joshua Keen was driving a white Peugeot Partner van on the A267 near Mayfield when he drove onto the wrong side of the road and collided head-on with a Hyundai. Dashcam footage from his vehicle showed him weaving and almost mounting the grass verge and crossing the centre lines in the minutes before the crash. Both Keen and the 43-year-old female driver of the Hyundai sustained life-changing injuries. The woman spent several weeks in hospital and continues to require rehabilitation.

Admitted causing serious injuries by careless driving. Dashcam footage showed erratic driving before the head-on collision. Victim sustained life-changing injuries.

1 Jan 0001

Matthew Pahlavan

Putting a person in fear of violence by harassment *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Matthew Pahlavan, 41, of New Church Road, Hove, subjected a 41-year-old woman to extensive domestic abuse between February 2023 and September 2023 in Hove and Burgess Hill. He would hit her, verbally abuse her, threaten her, repeatedly call her and track her. On one occasion, she received over 100 emails in a single day. On 22 April in Burgess Hill, he waited outside her home, attempted to block her in, and rammed her car. She managed to escape, but he followed her. Police were called on 18 September and an investigation was launched.

Pleaded guilty to putting a person in fear of violence by harassment, assault, and sending communications with intent to cause distress. Handed a restraining order against the victim until 2031.

1 Jan 0001

Max N'gasa

Rape and grooming of teenage girls *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Max N'Gasa, aged 25 from Littlehampton, West Sussex, together with Osmon Koroma, groomed and sexually exploited 12 girls aged 13 to 15 at Wick Parade in Littlehampton from 2010 to 2014. The defendants supplied the girls with cigarettes and alcohol to coerce them into performing sex acts, with some instances involving abuse by both men. N'Gasa was convicted on ten sexual offences, including two counts of rape.

Convicted after a six-week trial of ten sexual offences including two counts of rape. Acquitted on one count of sexual assault and attempting sexual activity with a child. Required to register as a sex offender for life.

1 Jan 0001

Melik Yalcin

Being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Melik Yalcin orchestrated a county lines drug supply network in Hastings, dealing cocaine and cannabis. He directed associates Robert Longstaffe and Harry White to store and distribute drugs. In spring 2022, Sussex Police and Metropolitan Police launched an investigation. Yalcin was arrested and found with £34,000 in cash and a Mercedes vehicle, which were seized. Phone analysis confirmed his leadership role. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 6 November 2023.

Early guilty plea. Identified as head of the drug supply network. Seized £34,000 cash and a Mercedes worth £60,000.

1 Jan 0001

Michael Lane

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 25 years

Michael Lane murdered his former girlfriend Shana Grice on 25 August 2016 by slitting her throat and setting fire to her bedroom while she was alone at her home on Chrisdory Road, Portslade, East Sussex. This followed a period of stalking including placing a tracker on her car, sending unwanted flowers, damaging her car, snatching her phone, grabbing her hair, entering her home uninvited using a stolen key to watch her sleeping, and multiple phone calls. He had previously been arrested for assault and theft but received only a caution.

Admitted to stalking Grice but pleaded not guilty to murdering her. Found guilty after a two-week trial. Judge criticised Sussex Police for failing to take Grice's complaints seriously.

1 Jan 0001

Ludovit Gerhat

Breaching registered sex offender requirements *

Sentence

15 months imprisonment

Ludovit Gerhat, 34, of Blackwater Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, accessed more than 200 videos and 100 other indecent images of children from the internet, including some in the most serious categories, despite a previous conviction. Officers detected attempts to wipe material from his devices via monitoring software required as part of his registration.

Pleaded guilty to breaching his registered sex offender requirements. Previous conviction in August 2021 for possessing indecent images of children (eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months). Will remain a registered sex offender for a further ten years and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricting access to digital devices and children.

1 Jan 0001

Mark Rumbol

Sexual assault *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Mark Rumbol, a 58-year-old scrap metal dealer from Hewelsfield in Wales, repeatedly sexually abused a teenage girl under 15 in Rustington between 2020 and 2021. The abuse was reported in March 2021 and Rumbol was arrested. He was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court on 18 December 2023 of two counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, but not guilty of rape. On 26 January 2024, he was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment and made subject to lifelong sex offender registration and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Found guilty of two counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. Not guilty of rape. Pleaded not guilty; trial verdict on 18 December 2023. Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, given a restraining order and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

1 Jan 0001

Martin Yates

Arranging or facilitating the sexual abuse of children *

Sentence

5 years and 4 months imprisonment

Martin Yates, 48, of Royal Parade, Eastbourne, was the assistant moderator of a dark web site called The Annex, which had 90,000 members sharing and discussing extreme child sexual abuse material including 'hurtcore' and abuse of babies and toddlers. Between January and September 2020, Yates enforced site rules, promoted or dropped users, provided access to private areas, advised on security, and passed on training. He used the username 'yates704' and revealed his first name, age, and location in chats. Investigators found 6,000 private messages linking him to moderation activities and indecent images. He was arrested at his Eastbourne home in July 2022, made full admissions, and was charged.

Pleaded guilty to six counts: one of arranging or facilitating the sexual abuse of children, four of making and distributing indecent images of children, and one of possession of prohibited images of children. Also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

1 Jan 0001

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 367 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

Francis Bridgeman

Christopher Smith

Joseph Baldwin

Navid Iran

Babak Iran

Sean Iran

Matthew Thole

John Brice

John Mccracken

Kathleen Crane

Lee O’Donnell

Paul Spicer

Gregory Spicer

Paul Goodenough

Gordon Brian Redmond

Matthew Fowler

Richard Markwick

John Cope

Richard Blackwood

Graham Coutts

Roy Whiting

Dena Thompson

John Taylor

Jordan Catt

Jordan Croft

Jordan Panice

Joao-Carlos Jardim Dos Santos Teixeira

John Armsby

Jamie Vile

Jean Dias

Jason Lineker

Learna Wood

Lloyd Edwards

Ko

Kr

Kristian Buqa

Lashaun Kwatia

Kevin Challen

Kevin Paul Horne

Js

Justin Collins

Joshua Mckenzie

Joshua Keen

Matthew Pahlavan

Max N'gasa

Melik Yalcin

Michael Lane

Ludovit Gerhat

Mark Rumbol

Martin Yates

About Lewes Crown Court

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Brighton Magistrates Court

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