These are some of the most serious, high profile and prolific offenders who were jailed in the fourth month of 2026.
All information comes directly from Sussex Police.
5. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in April 2026
A police dog ‘steered’ officers in the right direction following a drugs bust near Cowfold. A silver Peugeot 207 linked to the supply of illegal substances was stopped on the A272 on March 10 and searched by officers, who discovered a small amount of cannabis in the side of the driver’s door. But it was only after the vehicle was recovered and taken for further checks that the true extent of the stash was revealed. PD Jake, a Cocker Spaniel with eight years of working experience, immediately indicated on the steering wheel, which officers noted felt soft and the horn did not work. The centrepiece was removed and a sock containing more cannabis, several grip seal bags of cocaine and a quantity of cash was discovered. The driver – identified as Angel Yankov, 32, of no fixed address – was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis. He appeared before Lewes Crown Court on April 9, where he was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for 14 months. Photo: Sussex Police
6. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in April 2026
A drug dealer who used a private hire taxi to supply cocaine to clients has been jailed. Ergys Rexha was seen by officers exiting the vehicle in Yapton to meet a customer. In less than a minute he was back inside the vehicle in the rear passenger seat being driven to another customer. But he was stopped by officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit and was searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act. They initially found 13 vials of cocaine in a cigarette packet in his pocket. Later, when searched in police custody, a further 12 vials were found concealed in Rexha’s underwear. Following an investigation by Chichester and Arun CID, the 37-year-old was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply. At Lewes Crown Court on April 13 he admitted the charge, and was jailed for two years. The court was told how a passenger engaged with a customer from a white Mercedes taxi at 7.30pm on March 13 this year. Officers on duty witnessed the suspected drug deal, and then stopped the Mercedes nearby in Bittern Avenue, where Rexha, of no fixed address, was arrested. The vehicle stop and arrest followed a week of action for County Lines Intensification Week. In West Sussex officers worked alongside partner agencies and forces to complete ten warrants, seize £12,000 in cash, 17 phones, 12 knives, and one vehicle. A total of 37 arrests were made, while 26 children and 20 vulnerable adults were safeguarded. Photo: Sussex Police
7. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in April 2026
A man who carried out an unprovoked assault on a man returning home to Crawley has been jailed. Dean Heron assaulted the victim on his driveway as he returned home from work. The assault included Heron choking the victim and displaying a knife from his waistband. At interview, the 38-year-old admitted he had been drunk at the time of the incident. Neighbours called the police and Heron was arrested and taken into custody. At Lewes Crown Court on April 10, Heron admitted attempted grievous bodily harm, intentional strangulation, and possessing a knife in public. He was jailed for three years and four months. The court was told how the incident happened at about 7am on July 9 last year at Waterside Close in Bewbush. Heron, of no fixed address, abused the victim who had returned to his home in his car following a night shift. He struck the victim to the face and took out a knife during the struggle, and then choked the victim. Photo: Sussex Police
8. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in April 2026
Three men have been sentenced for their roles in a grievous assault on a boy who was knocked off his bicycle by a car. The boy was knocked through a garden fence and street sign, and was then further assaulted including being stabbed as he lay injured on the ground in Haywards Heath. The incident left the victim, a boy in his teens, with life-changing injuries. Jack Ancell, 24 (pictured), Charlie Clark, 24, and Aiden Barber, 22, were involved in the incident where the victim was driven into then further assaulted the boy on the ground, including stabbing him. The group then fled after they were challenged by the public. Police launched an extensive investigation to trace the Vauxhall Corsa driver and passengers, and the three men were identified and arrested in the days following the assault. They were charged with causing grievous bodily harm and with possession with a bladed article in public, and admitted the offences in court. At Lewes Crown Court on April 13, Ancell, Clark and Barber were sentenced. The court was told how the incident happened at about 5.40pm on July 28 last year at Sydney Road in Haywards Heath. Upon seeing the victim, the driver deliberately drove at the cyclist and rammed the boy through a garden fence. The boy was then further assaulted by the three men. Ancell, of no fixed address, was jailed for seven years, and was given an extended three year period on licence due to dangerousness. Photo: Sussex Police