20-Year-Old Man Dies after Ovingdean Cliff Fall, Sussex Police Confirm
Emergency services, including Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECamb), and a Kent, Surrey, and Sussex Air Ambulance (KSS) Rapid Response Vehicle, were dispatched to Ovingdean at approximately 2 pm on Thursday following reports of an individual falling from the cliffs.
Upon arrival at the scene, the first responders discovered a man in urgent need of medical attention. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. At the time, Sussex Police provided limited information, stating only that the man had been hospitalised and that no additional details could be disclosed.
Photo – Sussex News Photo – Sussex News However, a recent update from Sussex Police has confirmed the news that the 20-year-old man not from Sussex died of his injuries while in the hospital.
A spokesman for the police expressed condolences and confirmed that the deceased’s family had been informed of the tragic outcome.
The case has now been handed over to the coroner for further investigation.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Eastbourne Introduces Night Safety Marshals For Ensured Public Safety
Eastbourne is stepping up its efforts to ensure public safety during night-time activities with the introduction of a new team of Night Safety Marshals. Starting, Friday, January 26, these marshals will be a visible force in the town centre, focusing on quick responses to emerging issues and providing additional support to ensure a safe night out for everyone.
This initiative is a collaboration between Sussex Police, local partners, and the Brighton-based Pagoda Security. The marshals have undergone rigorous training, specializing in identifying and aiding vulnerable individuals. Their role is to complement the extensive safety measures already implemented by Sussex Police and other agencies.
The introduction of the Night Safety Marshals in Eastbourne follows their successful implementation in Brighton and Crawley. The expansion of this program has been made possible through funding secured by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, via the Safer Streets Fund. This fund is dedicated to addressing neighborhood crime, violence against women and girls, and anti-social behavior.
The marshals will be on duty from 8pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday nights, patrolling key areas of Eastbourne town centre. They will work closely with the police, Street Pastors, Security Industry Authority (SIA) door staff at licensed venues, and members of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).
Equipped with advanced training in handling vulnerable situations, the marshals can swiftly identify and respond to those in need, directing them to appropriate support services or escalating issues to the police when necessary. Additionally, they will maintain direct radio communication with the police, ensuring any incidents are promptly reported.
Inspector Sarah Taylor, of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Protecting our community from violence and crime, particularly during the night-time economy, is a key priority for police. Everybody has the right to enjoy a night out and Eastbourne is, and will continue to be, a safe place to do this.
“We already have a range of measures in place to support this work, including dedicated cars and targeted patrols under our Project WAVE (Wellbeing and Vulnerability Engagement) initiative, and close partnership working with licensed premises to promote other safety schemes such as Ask for Angela.
“The Night Safety Marshals are a very welcome addition to our town centre and will further support our work to protect vulnerable people and catch offenders.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
47-Year-Old Man Apprehended in Brighton Magistrates’ Court After Breaking and Entering
Fernando Montoya, 47, residing on Grand Parade in Brighton, was apprehended during the early hours of Tuesday morning after breaking into Brighton Magistrates’ Court. Montoya forcefully smashed through glass panels at the entrance, setting off alarms, and was swiftly detained by security. Police subsequently arrested him.
A Sussex police Spokesperson told Sussex news “Fernando Montoya, 47, of Grand Parade in Brighton was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning (January 23) after breaking into Brighton Magistrates’ Court.
He smashed through glass panels at the entrance of the building, triggering the alarms. He was then quickly apprehended by security and arrested by police soon after.
Montoya appeared at court on Wednesday (January 24), charged with criminal damage. He pleaded guilty to the charge and has been given a community order and ordered to pay £200 in compensation.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
St Leonards Man Convicted of Child Sexual Assault
Darren Sibley, a 40-year-old construction worker from St Leonards, has been sentenced to a prison term exceeding 15 years for the sexual abuse of a young girl.
The series of assaults, which targeted a child under the age of 13, occurred from 2011 to 2016. The abuse was exposed when, in 2020, a friend of the victim courageously reported Sibley’s actions to the Sussex Police.
Following the report, officers reached out to the victim, initiating an investigation supported by specialists in the field.
Sibley was apprehended and faced multiple charges, including five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempted sexual assault of a child under 13. He also faced charges for assaulting an emergency worker and failing to surrender to custody.
During the trial at Hove Crown Court on October 24, 2023, Sibley was convicted of three sexual offences. He admitted guilt to the assault on an emergency worker and to failing to surrender.
On January 8, at Lewes Crown Court, the court imposed a 15-year and three-month prison sentence on Sibley. Additionally, he was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to significantly reduce the risk of reoffending. A restraining order has been issued to protect the victim, and Sibley will be registered as a sex offender for life.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Man Rescued After Falling from Cliffs in Ovingdean
Emergency services, including Sussex Police, SECamb, and a KSS Rapid Response Vehicle unit, rushed to Ovingdean at 2 pm Thursday 25th January 2024 following reports of a person falling from cliffs.
Photo – Sussex News Photo – Sussex News Sussex Police confirmed A man has been transported to the hospital for treatment, and no further details are available at this time.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Collision Leads to Serious Injury Charge for Sussex Police PC
A police officer from Sussex Police faces charges of causing serious injury due to dangerous driving, linked to an incident in Bognor.
PC Tim Bradshaw is scheduled to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on April 4. This charge is connected to an event on November 3, 2022, where a police vehicle and an electric bike were involved in a collision on Hawthorn Road.
The Independent Office of Police Conduct reviewed the case and advised that Sussex Police should undertake a local investigation.
Sussex Police plans to evaluate potential misconduct actions after the completion of the criminal case.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Drone Pilot Fined After Aircraft Nearly Hits Fatboy Slim on Brighton Beach
A drone operator, Giles Dalby, has been fined following a dramatic incident where his drone nearly collided with musician Fatboy Slim during a performance at the On The Beach festival on Brighton Beach. The incident occurred on July 24, 2022, and has led to Dalby’s prosecution for recklessly or negligently causing an aircraft to endanger […]
Major Sussex Drug Ring Masking as Beauty Firm Busted
In a significant blow to organised crime in the Sussex region, a group involved in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation has been brought to justice. The criminal network, which cleverly disguised class A and class B drugs as bath salts and beauty products, aimed to distribute these substances to the USA and Australia using courier services. However, their plans were thwarted as the majority of their shipments were intercepted by authorities both in the UK and abroad, sparking a comprehensive police investigation.
Sussex Police, acting on critical information, raided a location at Truleigh Hill near Shoreham. In a stunning find, officers discovered approximately £1 million worth of MDMA in two holdall bags. This discovery was a pivotal moment in a thorough investigation that led to the conviction of eight individuals for their roles in this elaborate drug ring.
Photo – Sussex Police The culmination of the case was seen at Hove Crown Court on January 12, where the final members of the group received their sentences. The court heard how two bags filled with MDMA were found at stables rented by Jenny Blake in June 2019. Frequent visits by Lee Hudson and Laura Burke to the premises, combined with extensive paperwork and investigatory work, also implicated Matt Hodgson and Benjamin Beal in the operation.
Investigations revealed the group’s attempts to ship packages to Australia and the USA, concealing class A drugs within bath salts packaging. Astonishingly, they had purchased 64 kilograms of bath salts in just one month for this purpose. Every group member was found to be involved in these shipping attempts.
Further investigations led to the implication of Alexander Griffin in the crime ring. Griffin was caught by officers in central Brighton using a “stash” vehicle, which held around 4,000 suspected class A drug tablets, in the Churchill Square shopping centre car park in August 2019. The drugs were estimated to be worth over £320,000. Griffin’s interactions with the Mazirel brothers, Dean and Oliver, led to their subsequent arrests.
Photo – Sussex Police Dean Mazirel, a 39-year-old former construction worker, and Oliver Mazirel, a 35-year-old former landscape gardener, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and were sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Alexander Griffin, a 37-year-old former financial consultant, received a six-year prison sentence for conspiring to fraudulently evade legal restrictions.
Benjamin Beal, a 43-year-old former managing director, and Lee Hudson, a 42-year-old former barber, were both found guilty of similar charges and received prison sentences of three years and nine months, and three years and seven months, respectively.
Jenny Blake, a 40-year-old former teacher, and Laura Burke, a 33-year-old former child carer, received suspended prison sentences for their involvement, along with community service and rehabilitation requirements. Matt Hodgson, a 47-year-old unemployed individual, also received a suspended sentence, along with community service and rehabilitation requirements.
Speaking after the case, Acting Detective Inspector Ed Bohnet said: “This was an organised group operating to disguise the transport and sale of large quantities of class A and B drugs from Sussex via courier services.
“Following a thorough investigation, all of the defendants have now been convicted.
“It demonstrates our determination to catch offenders operating in organised groups, and to disrupt drug supply which has such a harmful impact on our communities.”
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Concerns Grow for Missing Man in Worthing
Sussex Police are urgently appealing for information to locate David, a 47-year-old man who has gone missing from his residence in Worthing. He was last seen around 6 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24, and is believed to be on foot. [block_2] David is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, bald, skinny, and sporting […]
Urgent Appeal to Locate Missing 16-Year-Old Barry
Sussex Police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 16-year-old named Barry, who has been reported missing from Walberton in West Sussex. [block_2] Barry was last seen in Worthing on Thursday, January 18, and it’s believed he has connections in Kent.
£20,000 Reward for Info on Unsolved Jennifer Kiely Eastbourne Murder
A reward of £20,000 is being put forward in the ongoing investigation into the unresolved murder of Jennifer Kiely, which occurred in Eastbourne in 2005.
Jennifer, who was 35 at the time, was found deceased in a seafront shelter in the early hours of January 22, 2005.
Marking the 19th anniversary of this unsolved case, Sussex police are renewing their appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to step forward.
BBC Crime Watch Appeal In collaboration with the charity Crimestoppers, they are offering up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of the individual or individuals responsible for this crime.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “This remains an active investigation and Jennifer’s family are desperate for answers, as are we.
“We know the seafront shelter was frequented by the homeless community and we are urging anyone with any information which may assist in our investigation to please come forward.”
Jennifer’s body was found after a fire was reported in the shelter on the lower promenade at Holywell on Eastbourne seafront.
She had sustained multiple stab wounds, her body had been set on fire, and the pushchair she habitually had with her was on top of her body.
Jennifer’s family continue to have the support of Family Liaison Officers from Sussex Police, and her mother, Margaret, who lives in Ireland, has echoed DCI Dunn’s appeal.
She said: “I think of her every day. But on her anniversary I can’t stop, I can’t switch off. Somebody, somewhere, knows who is responsible. Just please come forward and let us know.”
DCI Dunn added: “Jennifer was well known in Eastbourne among charities and had many friends, and she spent the last day of her life with friends at an address in Upperton Gardens. That night she had a bath and left at about midnight, and was last seen at about 1am walking west along the seafront in the direction of Holywell. Her body was found by council workers at 5am.
Photo – Sussex Police “One person we have yet to trace and eliminate from the investigation is a man seen that night walking along the middle of the road at the rear of the Grand Hotel.
“He was described as Eastern European by his accent and appearance. He was about 5’10-11”, of slim to medium build. His hair was a light blond colour, short but in no particular style. His face was round-ish, and he had dominant cheek and jaw lines.
“He was wearing a dark blue short jacket which had a collar and it was zipped right up to beneath his chin. He had also wore a pair of grey jeans and white trainers.
“Jennifer’s family deserve to know what happened to her and who is responsible.”
To qualify for the reward, you can contact Crimestoppers, who are independent from the police, anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.
The investigation has previously been featured on BBC Crimewatch, which featured an interview with former Senior Investigating Officer Emma Heater, who has since retired.
Further information can also be found on the UK Police Major Incident Public Portal.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Sussex Police Seek Public’s Help After Brighton Dog Attack
Sussex Police are urgently seeking a man linked to a dog attack that occurred outside Prince Regent Swimming Pool, North Road, Brighton, on January 11th, between 5:30 and 5:40 pm.
A 40-year-old woman sustained leg and hand injuries in the incident.
The public is requested to help identify the man involved. Anyone with information or who witnessed the attack should contact police online or call 101, quoting serial 995 of 11/01.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Concerns Grow for Missing 15-year-old Katie in Shoreham
Sussex Police have launched an urgent appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of 15-year-old Katie, who has been reported missing from Shoreham. As concerns grow for her welfare, authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in locating her. [block_2] Katie is described as being approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, with a slim build and long […]
Urgent Appeal: Sussex Police Launch Search for Missing 14-Year-Old Katie
Sussex Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in locating a missing teenager from the Shoreham area. Fourteen-year-old Katie has been reported missing, and authorities are deeply concerned for her well-being. [block_2] Katie is described as having a slim build and dark hair. At the time of her disappearance, it is […]
Missing Teenager Kyle: Urgent Appeal for Information
Sussex Police in Hastings have issued an urgent appeal for information to help locate missing teenager Kyle, who is just 14 years old. Kyle has also been known to have links to Chessington in Greater London. [block_2] Kyle is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, with a slim build, and […]
Man Arrested for Assault in Hastings: Witnesses Sought
In a recent incident in Hastings Town Centre, Patrick Doran, a 41-year-old man residing at Robertson Terrace, Hastings, has been taken into custody on charges of assaulting and sexually assaulting a woman. [block_2] The incident, which occurred on Robertson Street at approximately 5.25 pm on Wednesday, January 17, was initially reported as an altercation between […]
Sussex Police Launch Urgent Search for Missing 27-Year-Old Jordan from Chichester
Chichester, West Sussex – Sussex Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public for information regarding the whereabouts of 27-year-old Jordan, who has been reported missing from the Chichester area. Jordan was last seen around 8:00 PM on Friday, January 19, and authorities are growing increasingly concerned for his well-being. [block_2] According to the […]
Reckless Passenger Causes Severe Crash near Chichester, Sentenced
A serious road incident near Chichester has resulted in a prison sentence for a car passenger. Jake Sharpe, a 28-year-old rear-seat passenger in a Vauxhall, dangerously pulled the handbrake while on the A259 near Bosham, where the speed limit is 60mph. This reckless action caused the driver to lose control, leading the car to veer […]