Sussex’s judges, juries and magistrates were busy in November.
These are some of the most serious, high-profile and prolific offenders who were jailed in the penultimate month of 2023.
All information comes directly from Sussex Police.
5. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in November 2023
A man has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison after committing a series of crimes across Brighton and Hove. Reece Faria, 28, from Brighton appeared at Hove Crown Court last Thursday (November 16) after pleading guilty on October 6 to five burglaries, two thefts, two counts of fraud and one count of handling stolen goods. Faria's series of criminal activity began on September 12, 2022 when he unlawfully entered a property in Brunswick Square, stealing electronics, jewellery and money. On October 7, 2022 he went on to steal a charity collection box from a coffee shop on St James’s Street. On October 21, 2022, police received reports of two burglaries at businesses on Bond Street. A bank card stolen during one of the break-ins was then used by Faria at two other premises in the city. Nine days later on October 30, 2022, Faria committed another burglary when he unlawfully entered an address on Islington Road. A Nintendo switch and Playstation 5 were stolen from this address. On November 2, 2022, Faria was seen on CCTV stealing a bike from outside a shop on Queens Road. Faria was then found to have broken into the communal hallway of a house in Montpelier Road on November 6, and attempted to steal money from the premises. His efforts were unsuccessful. Police enquiries linked Faria to each of the offences and he was arrested in November 2022. He was released on conditional bail while enquiries, including awaiting the results of forensic tests, were ongoing. Investigations continued and when fingerprints found at the scene of two burglaries were confirmed as belonging to Faria, he was charged with three burglaries, two thefts, two counts of fraud and one count of handling stolen goods. He was then released on court bail, pending his next court date. While on court bail, Faria committed two further burglaries. He was seen on CCTV repeatedly stealing alcohol from a bar on Jubilee Street over a three-day period in May 2023, and was found to have broken in to a restaurant in New Road in July Photo: Sussex Police
6. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in November 2023
A man has been jailed for human trafficking offences, due to his involvement in facilitating the illegal entry of 47 people into the UK. Sussex Police were called to reports of harassment at a hotel housing asylum seekers in Crawley on 26 June. It was later established through the police investigation that the victim had been smuggled into the UK. The victim – a 22-year-old woman – was smuggled in a small boat from France which was captained and organised by Kiki Gabar who is also known as Salam Jabar, 29, of no fixed address. An investigation was launched by Sussex Police and following enquiries with the Home Office and partner agencies, it was confirmed Gabar was involved in bringing the woman, and a total of 47 people, into the UK. Gabar pleaded guilty to entering the UK illegally and was found guilty of facilitating the pre-travel arrangements for human trafficking in France, facilitating illegal entry of 47 people into the UK and common assault. He was sentenced on Tuesday, 21 November at Lewes Crown Court to four years and one-month imprisonment. The victim, as well as the other 46 people who were smuggled into the country, are being supported and safeguarded by specialist officers and agencies. Photo: Sussex Police
7. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in November 2023
Two London men who stole designer jewellery, antiques, and high value electronic items across Sussex have been jailed. Lee Ash, 40 (pictured), and Reginald Hill, 45, appeared before Lewes Crown Court on 25 October and were each sentenced to six years imprisonment after pleading guilty to six counts of burglary at an earlier hearing. The court heard that on 18 September, Ash, of Sydenham Hill, and Hill, of Grove Park, broke into a property in Stoughton, and stole jewellery and a car key. Later that day, the pair forced entry into two properties in nearby Bosham and stole jewellery, silver items, a TV, and an Apple Mac and Apple products. Further reports were received of break-ins and burglaries at addresses in West Dean, Bosham, and Hooe, with items of silver, jewellery, Rolex watches, and antiques clocks stolen. Ash and Hill were both arrested on 19 September when they were stopped by officers in Kent. A search of their vehicle uncovered multiple valuable items, identified as those stolen in Sussex. They were charged with three counts of burglary and remanded in custody before appearing at court on the 24 October, where a further three counts of burglary were added to the indictment. Photo: Sussex Police
8. Locked up in Sussex: These are some of the criminals jailed in November 2023
Two London men who stole designer jewellery, antiques, and high value electronic items across Sussex have been jailed. Lee Ash, 40, and Reginald Hill, 45 (pictured), appeared before Lewes Crown Court on 25 October and were each sentenced to six years imprisonment after pleading guilty to six counts of burglary at an earlier hearing. The court heard that on 18 September, Ash, of Sydenham Hill, and Hill, of Grove Park, broke into a property in Stoughton, and stole jewellery and a car key. Later that day, the pair forced entry into two properties in nearby Bosham and stole jewellery, silver items, a TV, and an Apple Mac and Apple products. Further reports were received of break-ins and burglaries at addresses in West Dean, Bosham, and Hooe, with items of silver, jewellery, Rolex watches, and antiques clocks stolen. Ash and Hill were both arrested on 19 September when they were stopped by officers in Kent. A search of their vehicle uncovered multiple valuable items, identified as those stolen in Sussex. They were charged with three counts of burglary and remanded in custody before appearing at court on the 24 October, where a further three counts of burglary were added to the indictment. Photo: Sussex Police