Here we take a look at some of the criminals locked up during the first four months of 2025.
All of the information below comes from either Sussex Police or our reporters attending court in person.
17. Locked up in Sussex 2025: These are some of the criminals jailed between January and April
A barber has been convicted after attacking a man with scissors in Brighton. On November 29, 2022, Adam Pirot, 20, of Roedean Road in Brighton was working in a barbers in Preston Street, Brighton when he launched an attack on a person with scissors following a disagreement. Pirot followed the victim out of the shop armed with the weapon before repeatedly stabbing and slashing him, causing serious injuries including a collapsed lung. Following searches of addresses linked to the suspect, evidence was located linking Pirot to the crime, and he was arrested on December 8, 2022 on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent. He was bailed with strict conditions pending further enquiries and forensic testing. Pirot was charged on June 6, 2023 with grievous bodily harm with intent bailed ahead of his next hearing. On June 4, 2024, Pirot was found guilty following a trial at Brighton Crown Court. He was sentenced on January 17 at Lewes Crown Court to five years behind bars. Photo: Sussex Police
18. Locked up in Sussex 2025: These are some of the criminals jailed between January and April
A revolver, bullets and cocaine were found in a police search when an Eastbourne man was arrested for importing cannabis through Dover. Daniel Rees, 51, of Hodcombe Close, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on January 30. After 950 grams of herbal cannabis was intercepted at Dover, police searched Rees’ car and home on December 12, 2023. They found cocaine in his car and during a search of the home he was then living in, in Anguilla Close, Eastbourne, they also found a revolver and ammunition hidden in a sock. He was found guilty of improper importation of goods – namely Class B cannabis – into the UK, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of ammunition and possession of Class A drugs, namely cocaine. Photo: Sussex Police
19. Locked up in Sussex 2025: These are some of the criminals jailed between January and April
A burglar who targeted businesses in Rustington and Littlehampton has been jailed. John McCarthy smashed windows to gain access to a café, a barber shop, a restaurant, and two charity shops. The 37-year-old showed a 'flagrant disregard for people and their property'. He was identified on CCTV wearing a distinctive yellow coat during the break-ins, which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. But a PCSO on patrol was able to identify him after speaking with businesses, and he was arrested. At his address, police found items he had taken from the businesses and shops, and found the distinctive yellow coat. McCarthy, formerly of East Street, Littlehampton, was charged with three counts of burglary other than a dwelling, one count of burglary other than a dwelling with intent to steal, and one count of attempted burglary other than a dwelling with intent to steal. At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 27, he was sentenced to a total of one year in prison for the five offences. The court was told about how the Lemon Grass restaurant, Fig Café & Tapas and Clipper Street in The Street, Rustington, were all targeted in the early hours of January 14. A member of the public reported seeing a man in a yellow coat and called the police. A number of windows were smashed and a small quantity of cash was reported stolen. Then in the early hours of January 22, McCarthy broke into charity shops Link to Hope and St Barnabas House in Anchor Springs, Littlehampton. A charity collection box from St Barnabas House was found in his room. Photo: Sussex Police
20. Locked up in Sussex 2025: These are some of the criminals jailed between January and April
Surrey man David Connolly has been jailed for 11 years for rape and other serious sexual offences against a girl in Crowborough. Connolly, 61, of Norwood Hill Road in Charlwood, Surrey, raped and sexually abused a girl between 1998 and 2000. He was a serving Kent Police officer at the time of the offences. His offending was not linked to his role as a police officer. The allegations were reported to police in August, 2020, at which time Connolly had retired from policing. His victim was supported by specialist officers and an investigation was launched. She disclosed a number of incidents in various locations including Connolly’s home and his car. He was arrested and, in January, 2024, was charged with three counts of rape of a girl under 16; two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14 and six counts of indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 16. On October 24, 2024, Connolly was found guilty of rape of a girl under 16; two counts of indecently assaulting a girl under 16 and two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14 at Brighton Crown Court. At the same court on January 28, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Photo: Sussex Police