Two Men Busted Over Armed St Leonards Incident
Two men have been convicted following a terrifying armed incident in St Leonards.
Guilty Pleas in Court
Cornel Florea, 21, from Gravesend, Kent, admitted to affray and carrying a knife in public at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 31 January. Robert Murphy, 33, of no fixed address, also pleaded guilty to affray. Both were remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Monday 27 February.
Shots Fired and Armed Confrontation
- Police were called after multiple reports of shots fired at a vehicle on Theaklen Drive around 7.10pm on 24 January.
- Shortly after, witnesses reported a man with a firearm and others carrying knives near Churchill Court, Stonehouse Drive.
- Armed police, supported by neighbouring forces and a National Police Air Service helicopter, swooped on both scenes.
Thankfully, no one was injured.
Major Police Sweep Nets Weapons and Arrests
Following the chaos, cops raided four properties, arresting several people and seizing dangerous weapons – including machetes, blank firing pistols, ammunition, and a baton.
Florea and Murphy were arrested on 30 January and charged soon after.
“Sussex Police acted swiftly with help from partner forces,” said Detective Inspector Sharon Ford. “We have removed dangerous weapons before anyone was harmed. Thanks to the public for their quick reporting.”
Chief Inspector Jay Mendis-Gunasekera, Hastings and Rother’s District Commander, added: “I’m grateful to our community and officers working fast on this investigation. Keeping our area safe is my priority. Thanks to neighbouring forces for their support during this serious incident.”
