Here we take a look at some of the criminals locked up during the final four months of the year.
All of the information below comes from either Sussex Police or our reporters attending court in person.
37. Locked up in Sussex 2022: These are some of the criminals jailed between September and December
A dangerous driver who reached ‘ludicrous’ excessive speeds has been jailed for causing the death of a father-of-three in Hastings. Ryan Selby, 23, showed a ‘flagrant disregard for the rules of the road’ when he was driving on Rye Road, Hastings, on March 9, 2021. A police spokesperson said the driver was seen by witnesses overtaking several vehicles travelling towards Hastings, reaching estimated speeds of between 107mph and 113mph when his vehicle struck Oli Paxton. Selby, a factory worker, of Burry Road, St Leonards, appeared before Lewes Crown Court on October 20 where he admitted causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison and disqualified from driving for eight years and three months. The court heard how the incident unfolded, with witnesses describing Selby driving ‘aggressively’ to get past other drivers through Guestling. Photo: Sussex Police
38. Locked up in Sussex 2022: These are some of the criminals jailed between September and December
Two men have been jailed over a campaign of harassment and criminal damage aimed at members of Hastings Social Services, say police. Jamie Wilder (left), 30, of Kent Road in Hastings and Finley Kudjo, 20, of Hughenden Road in Hastings, targeted the homes and vehicles of social workers, smashing windows and in one case setting a car on fire, said police. Both were arrested following an investigation by Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit. Wilder was charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit criminal damage, conspiracy to commit arson, being concerned in the supply of cocaine and money laundering, said police. He pleaded guilty to all, except money laundering, which will lie on file. Kudjo was charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to commit arson. He pleaded guilty to all counts, said police. At Hove Crown Court on Friday, December 23, Wilder was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of eight years. Kudjo was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, police added. Photo: Sussex Police
39. Locked up in Sussex 2022: These are some of the criminals jailed between September and December
A man from Brighton has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of wounding with intent. Anthony Grist, 46, of Margaret Street, was found guilty following a six-day trial at Lewes Crown Court, which began on Monday, December 12. He was sentenced on Monday, December 19, after the jury delivered a unanimous verdict. Grist assaulted a 34-year-old man on Beaconsfield Road just before midnight on Friday, May 20 of this year as the man walked home from band practice. The victim sustained serious lacerations to his head and legs which required surgery. He has since recovered. Initial enquiries took place, extensively around house-to-house visits and CCTV gathering, which led to Grist being quickly identified and arrested during the early hours of Saturday, May 21. He was released on conditional bail whilst the investigation continued. Forensic checks were completed on a blood-stained jacket and boots he was wearing on the night of the assault, which linked him to the victim’s DNA. Grist pleaded not guilty, and his trial began on Monday, December 12 at Lewes Crown Court. The jury deliberated for four hours and found Grist guilty, and an immediate custodial sentence was handed down by His Honour Judge Mercer. Photo: Sussex Police
40. Locked up in Sussex 2022: These are some of the criminals jailed between September and December
A Worthing woman will spend more than two years in jail after defrauding an elderly woman out of £24,000. Sussex Police said Melanie Stanbridge, of Maybridge Square, Worthing, stole from a 94-year-old woman, who she was caring for. The 46-year-old’s actions became known when police were contacted with concerns around her behaviour at the end of October 2020. Stanbridge was suspended from work whilst the investigation took place. She was arrested and released on bail – before being further arrested for failing to appear in court for her plea hearing, police said. On October 31, 2022, Stanbridge pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position and returned to Brighton Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, December 13. She was handed a 27-month custodial sentence. Photo: Sussex Police