Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in December
By Matt Pole
Published 3rd Jan 2023, 13:14 BST
Updated 3rd Jan 2023, 13:14 BST
Sussex’s judges, juries and magistrates were busy in December.
These are some of the most serious, high profile and prolific offenders who were jailed in the final month of 2022.
All information comes directly from Sussex Police.
5. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in 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
6. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in 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
7. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in December
A woman from Brighton who committed burglaries at two businesses in the city has been jailed. Naomi Rosenberg, of Phoenix Rise, Brighton, pleaded guilty to targeting the Brunswick Pub on September 5, 2022, and again on September 20, stealing money and bottles of spirits. She then burgled Komedia on September 26, here she stole a bicycle. Rosenberg was arrested for the burglaries and was then released on conditional bail whilst the investigation continued. Then on Monday, October 24, whilst signing on for bail at John Street Police Station, Rosenberg was found to be in possession of a flick knife. She was arrested, charged with burglary and being in possession of a knife and was remanded in custody. The 42-year-old later pleaded guilty to all four charges, and appeared at Chichester Crown Court on Tuesday, December 6, for sentencing. She received a term of 14 months imprisonment. Photo: Sussex Police
8. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in December
A former gymnastics instructor from Worthing who ‘groomed and abused children’ has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Norman Hogbin, 66, of Brougham Road, Worthing, was sentenced at Chichester Crown Court on Wednesday, December 21 after being found guilty of 11 counts of sexual assault against four children by a jury following a 12-day trial at Reading Crown Court, Sussex Police have said. In addition to the custodial sentence, police added that he will also have an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. Photo: Sussex Police