Five years’ jail for Plummers Plain man convicted of handling stolen goods

Stephen Robertson-Turner, 64, of Handcross Road, was sentenced at Hove Crown Court and ordered to pay £4,800 compensation to the victim.

He was on trial alongside Jonathon William King, 43, who was charged with breaking into a home in Cowbeech, East Sussex, last July during which more than £50,000 of antique silverware was stolen.

King (pictured left) was standing trial at Hove Crown Court when he was given bail to go to hospital on Monday November 17 after saying he had suffered a fall.

The next day he failed to answer his bail and he was convicted and jailed for eight years in his absence.

£1,870 that was seized from him when he was originally arrested was ordered to be paid to the victim as compensation.

Sussex Police launched Operation Magpie to tackle burglary across the county.

Detective Constable Annette Nash said: “It is clear King has used the opportunity of being given bail for medical reasons to escape from justice.

“We need the public’s help to find him so that he can be arrested and returned to custody to serve his sentence. King’s last known address was Southfields in Polegate but we do not know where he is currently.

“If you have any idea where he could be, please contact us. If you see him, do not approach him but instead call 999.”

Anyone with information should email [email protected] quoting serial 567 of 18/11, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.