Brighton Students Jailed After Importing Cannabis in Hidden Parcels
Photo – Sussex Police
Two students in Brighton have been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of importing large quantities of cannabis into the city.
Yu Tang, 26, of Fleet Street, Brighton, and Jiangpeng Wei, 26, of Kingscote Way, Brighton, were involved in a scheme to bring cannabis into the UK from the USA and Canada. The pair were caught after detectives noticed that they were frequently collecting packages not addressed to them from various shared student accommodations across Brighton.
Upon searching these packages, officers discovered significant amounts of herbal cannabis, which had been double vacuum-packed and hidden among everyday items such as T-shirts. The investigation, which began in September 2023, led to the interception or seizure of over 40 parcels from the defendants’ addresses, with the total quantity of cannabis exceeding 40 kilograms.
In addition to the drugs, around £3,500 in cash was also seized during the investigation.
Both Tang and Wei w..
Eastbourne Man Convicted of Multiple Rapes and Assaults on Young Girl
An Eastbourne man has been convicted of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault against a young girl following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.
Keith Matthews, 60, of Tintern Close, Eastbourne, was found guilty of subjecting the victim, who was under 13 at the time, to a series of rapes and physical and sexual assaults in May 2020. The distressing incidents came to light when the young girl confided in a family member, leading to a report to Sussex Police.
Matthews was arrested and subsequently charged with four counts of rape of a child, along with one count each of assault by penetration of a child, sexual assault of a child, and cruelty to a child.
The jury reached a guilty verdict after a five-day trial, concluding on Friday, August 2nd. Matthews has been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced on September 20th at a court to be confirmed.
Detective Sergeant Nick Green, from Eastbourne’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit, praised the victim’s courage in coming forward. He..
Witnesses Sought After Fatal Motorcycle Accident Near Camber
Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a tragic fatal collision near Camber in East Sussex on Monday, August 12th.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Jury’s Gap Road, east of Camber, shortly after 12:20 pm, where a collision had occurred between a lorry and a motorcycle. Despite the efforts of the emergency responders, the motorcyclist, a 47-year-old man from Hythe, Kent, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
The lorry driver, a 46-year-old man from Romney Marsh, Kent, was unharmed in the incident.
The road was temporarily closed to allow officers to conduct their initial investigation at the scene, but it has since been reopened.
Sussex Police are now appealing to the public for any witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward. They are particularly interested in any CCTV, mobile phone, or dashcam footage that may have captured the vehicles in the area at the time of the collision.
Anyone wit..
A23 in West Sussex Closed Southbound Due to Serious Collision Overnight
The A23 in West Sussex has been closed southbound between the M23 J11 and the A272 (Bolney) following a serious collision earlier today. The road closure has caused significant disruption, with Sussex Police currently conducting a detailed collision investigation at the scene.
As of now, there is no estimated time for the re-opening of the A23. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and plan alternative routes as the investigation continues.
Diversion Route:
For those traveling in the affected area, a diversion route has been established. Road users should follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol on road signs:
Exit the M23 at J11 onto the A264 and head west towards the junction with the A24.
Join the A24 and continue southbound until reaching the junction with the A283.
Exit onto the A283 and travel southeast to connect with the A27.
Join the A27 eastbound and proceed towards Brighton to rejoin the A23.
Motorists are advised to follow the diversion route to minimise de..
Hastings Man Injured in Bottle Attack
Sussex Police closed Station Road in Hastings Sunday morning, Sunday, August 18th, as part of an ongoing investigation into a serious assault.
Emergency services were alerted around 5:30 am to an incident where a 31-year-old man sustained a head injury, believed to have been inflicted by a bottle. The victim was quickly taken to the hospital for treatment.
An 18-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of breaching a restraining order and is currently in police custody. However, the investigation is still active, with officers working to identify and locate additional suspects involved in the incident.
Buses and Trains were diverted away from the area for a short while as police caried out there investigation.
Residents and visitors in the area may notice an increased police presence as enquiries continue. Sussex Police have thanked the public for their patience and understanding during this time.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to ..
Two Men Jailed for Arson and Criminal Damage Across East Sussex
Two men have been sentenced after a series of arson and criminal damage offenses that terrorised communities across East Sussex.
Michael Rodgers, 36, of Battle Road, St Leonards, and Kiarash Majidi, 37, of Grand Parade, St Leonards, were sentenced in July and August following their involvement in a shocking crime spree that spanned several towns, including Eastbourne, Hastings, and Rye.
The spree began on the evening of August 8, 2023, when Rodgers and Majidi targeted a property on Castle Hill Road, Hastings, smashing its windows before moving on to another location. Over the next few hours, they continued their destructive actions, shattering windows at a property on Priory Road in Hastings.
Less than a week later, on August 14, the pair escalated their attacks, causing damage to properties and vehicles across Hastings. Their crimes included smashing windows on Chiltern Drive and setting a car on fire on Linton Road. They also damaged properties on Lower Park Road and continued the..
Six Men Sentenced in Major Cocaine Distribution Network Between Sussex and London
An extensive investigation by Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has led to the conviction of six men involved in a large-scale cocaine distribution operation between London and the Sussex coast.
The investigation, which spanned several months, culminated in the seizure of approximately 850 grams of cocaine and over £32,000 in cash. The drugs were being trafficked from London to Worthing, with the operation allegedly distributing up to four kilograms of cocaine worth between £313,600 and £392,000 on the streets.
The operation was orchestrated by a network of criminals, each playing a distinct role in the supply chain. Courier Naim Shala, 45, of Vale Close, Newport, was identified as a key figure, making regular trips from Wembley to Worthing in his Mazda between June and October 2022. He delivered the Class A drugs to an address on Pavilion Road, Worthing, where 31-year-old Kristian Buqa took possession and prepared the drugs for street-level distribution.
Buqa then..
Nine Arrested by Sussex Police Over Protest-Related Crimes
Sussex Police have arrested nine individuals in connection with various protests across the county last week. The arrests come amid a nationwide rise in criminal disorder, which authorities believe is being driven by misinformation and threatening language circulating online.
The operation, which involved significant collaboration between Sussex Police and other agencies, aims to protect local communities and hold accountable those engaging in unlawful activities.
Arrest Details
On 4 August, a 43-year-old man from Bognor Regis was arrested on suspicion of publishing or distributing written material intended to incite racial hatred. He has since been released on bail.
Also on 4 August, an 18-year-old man from Haywards Heath was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense. He has been released under investigation as inquiries continue.
On 7 August, 45-year-old Joseph Clark, of Hayling Rise, Worthing, and a 42-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of sending..
Sussex News: Stolen Bike in Brighton Belongs to Young Woman with Disability
A heart-wrenching incident unfolded today on London Road in Brighton, where a bicycle was stolen outside the Scope charity shop. The bike, which holds significant importance for a young woman with a disability, was taken while she was volunteering inside the store. The theft has sparked outrage and concern in the local community, as the […]
Five Rescued as Boat Sinks Off Seaford
This afternoon Monday 12th August 2024, HM Coastguard received reports of a small boat in distress off Slash Point in Seaford. In response, the Newhaven lifeboat, coastguard teams from Newhaven and Birling Gap, Coastguard helicopter 163 from Lydd, Sussex Police, and South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECamb) were all mobilised to the scene.
Video – Sussex News
Upon arrival, it was found that a small boat with five people on board had sunk. Fortunately, all individuals were wearing lifejackets and were assisted to shore by a passing jet skier before the emergency teams arrived. Once ashore, they were met by the Coastguard and awaiting paramedics for further care.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard told Sussex News this evening, “HM Coastguard received multiple 999 calls just after 14:40 this afternoon (12 August) after a small vessel capsized and sunk off Seaford with five people on board.
A coastguard helicopter, coastguard rescue teams from Newhaven and Birling Gap, Newhaven RNLI l..
Update: Arrest Made Following Alleged Kidnap in Hove
A 21-year-old man from Brighton has been arrested in connection with an alleged kidnap incident that took place in Hove during the early hours of Monday, August 5.
According to Sussex Police, the incident occurred at around 2 a.m. when a man reportedly approached a woman at the junction of Selborne Road and Church Road in Hove, asking her for directions. He then allegedly pulled her into his vehicle before driving a short distance south along First Avenue. Fortunately, the woman was able to escape from the car and call for help.
The vehicle suspected of being involved in the kidnap was seized later that same evening.
In the early hours of Sunday, August 11, officers arrested the 21-year-old man at a Brighton address on suspicion of kidnap, theft of a vehicle, and making off without payment.
Superintendent Petra Lazar, who is overseeing the investigation, acknowledged the community’s concerns, stating, “It is understandable that this investigation has raised significant concerns wit..
Police Appeal for Witnesses After Fatal A23 Crash Near Bolney
Sussex Police are appealing for information after a serious collision on the A23 near Bolney resulted in the death of a 25-year-old man on Saturday night (August 10).
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 10:10 p.m. after reports of a single-vehicle crash on the southbound carriageway. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the man was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
Following the incident, three men, all aged 25 and from London, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The southbound carriageway, which was temporarily closed while emergency services attended the scene, has since reopened.
Sussex Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the collision. They are urging anyone with dash cam footage or who witnessed the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police by emailing [email protected] or ca..
Crawley Protest: Two Men Issued Dispersal Orders
Sussex Police successfully facilitated a peaceful protest in Crawley on Friday, August 9, ensuring public safety with a significant police presence throughout the event.
The protest, which included a small anti-immigration demonstration, remained largely incident-free. However, a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of threatening or abusive behaviour in violation of the Public Order Act. He remains in police custody at this time.
Video – DJE Media
In addition to the arrest, two other men were escorted away from the area by police and issued with a Section 35 dispersal order, which is used to prevent individuals from returning to a specific location for up to 48 hours.
Sussex Police expressed their gratitude to the local community for their cooperation and support. “We would like to thank the community for their support, engagement, and providing information to help us keep people safe,” a police spokesperson said.
The police presence and swift actions helped maintain order,..
A23 Closed in Both Directions Due to Serious Road Traffic Collision
The A23 in West Sussex has been closed in both directions following a serious road traffic collision between Warninglid and Bolney. Emergency services, including West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS), South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb), and Sussex Police, are currently on the scene managing the situation. Due to the closure, road users are […]
Worthing Man Jailed for Malicious Social Media Post Ahead of Brighton Event
A Worthing man has been sentenced to 14 weeks in prison after being found guilty of publishing malicious communications in connection with a planned event in Brighton. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to monitor and address potential protest activity in the region.
The preparations by Sussex Police included the careful monitoring and review of substantial online information, which led to the discovery of a concerning social media post on Tuesday, 6 August. The post contained several references to violent disorder linked to the proposed event scheduled for Wednesday, 7 August.
Following a prompt investigation, two men from Worthing, aged 42 and 45, were arrested. Joseph Clark, 45, of Hayling Rise, Worthing, was subsequently charged with sending an offensive message via a public communication network. He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 9 August, where he was found guilty and sentenced to 14 weeks in prison. In addition to the custodial s..
Body Discovered in Water at Seaford Beach
A significant emergency response was initiated on Wednesday afternoon after a man’s body was discovered in the water at Seaford Beach.
The incident unfolded at around 2:05 pm, prompting an immediate call to emergency services. Sussex Police, the local coastguard, the Coastguard Helicopter, and the Newhaven RNLI lifeboat were all dispatched to the scene to recover the body and begin investigations.
Photo – Luke Govus
At this time, Sussex Police have not yet identified the man or determined the circumstances leading to his death. A spokesperson for Sussex Police stated, “Enquiries are ongoing, alongside partner agencies, to identify the man and establish the full circumstances of the situation. No further information is available at this time.”
Suspect Arrested Following Early Morning Brawl in Worthing Bar
Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses following a violent altercation at Molotov Bar in Chatsworth Road, Worthing, which left one man requiring hospital treatment.
The incident occurred around 1:50 am on Sunday, 4 August, when a fight broke out involving at least four men between the bar and dancefloor area. The confrontation escalated quickly, resulting in one man sustaining a serious cut to his head. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. Another man suffered minor injuries.
In connection with the incident, a 21-year-old man from Worthing was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He has been released on bail as the investigation continues.
Appeal for Information
Sussex Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could assist in the investigation to come forward. Those with information can contact police online or by call..
Sussex Police Urgently Seek Missing 13-Year-Old Kelsie, Believed to Be in Croydon Area
Sussex Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public to help locate 13-year-old Kelsie, who has been reported missing from Eastbourne. Authorities believe that Kelsie may be in the Croydon area, and efforts are underway to find her as quickly as possible. The police made the appeal via social media, stating, “We are urgently […]
