Menu
19/03/2010
Thief Who Preyed On Gays Jailed
A man who targeted gay men in Sussex through dating websites using the name "Slick Nick" before stealing their property has been jailed for five years.
Nicholas Rowell, 44, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one of burglary at Preston Crown Court.
The court heard that Rowell befriended a man from Etchingham, East Sussex, and visited him several times before stealing his car, cash, phone and laptop in early June 2009.
He also contacted a transvestite man from Brighton through the website gumtree.com. He met the man several times before stealing his jewellery, laptop, mobile phone, camera and debit card on 7 June.
In both cases he gained their confidence, staying overnight, and being given house keys, before disappearing and taking his hosts property with him.
He then targeted a country bed and breakfast in Horsham on 21 September. He paid to stay the night, waited for the owners to leave, and stole cash, jewellery and a grandmother clock.
Nick Antjoule, Brighton LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans-gender) Liaison Officer at Sussex Police, said: "By working together across Sussex and with other police forces we were able to identify and arrest the offender.
"Equally important is the message it sends to people contemplating such crimes. You will not get away with it."
Mr Antjoule added: "Members of the LGBT community have traditionally been a target for this type of crime by offenders who thought they were soft target."
(PR/BMcC)
Nicholas Rowell, 44, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one of burglary at Preston Crown Court.
The court heard that Rowell befriended a man from Etchingham, East Sussex, and visited him several times before stealing his car, cash, phone and laptop in early June 2009.
He also contacted a transvestite man from Brighton through the website gumtree.com. He met the man several times before stealing his jewellery, laptop, mobile phone, camera and debit card on 7 June.
In both cases he gained their confidence, staying overnight, and being given house keys, before disappearing and taking his hosts property with him.
He then targeted a country bed and breakfast in Horsham on 21 September. He paid to stay the night, waited for the owners to leave, and stole cash, jewellery and a grandmother clock.
Nick Antjoule, Brighton LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans-gender) Liaison Officer at Sussex Police, said: "By working together across Sussex and with other police forces we were able to identify and arrest the offender.
"Equally important is the message it sends to people contemplating such crimes. You will not get away with it."
Mr Antjoule added: "Members of the LGBT community have traditionally been a target for this type of crime by offenders who thought they were soft target."
(PR/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 October 2010
Two Arrested Over Hastings Pier Blaze
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze on Hastings pier in East Sussex, two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who spent most of the night trying to control the fire, said around 95% of the Victorian pier has been destroyed. There are no reports of any injuries.
Two Arrested Over Hastings Pier Blaze
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze on Hastings pier in East Sussex, two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who spent most of the night trying to control the fire, said around 95% of the Victorian pier has been destroyed. There are no reports of any injuries.
13 November 2012
Ex-Bishop and Former Priest Arrested In Abuse Investigation
A former Church of England bishop and a retired priest have been arrested on suspicion of sex abuse. The Right Reverend Peter Ball, a former bishop of Lewes and Gloucester, is being held on suspicion of abusing eight boys and men in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was arrested at his home near Langport, Somerset.
Ex-Bishop and Former Priest Arrested In Abuse Investigation
A former Church of England bishop and a retired priest have been arrested on suspicion of sex abuse. The Right Reverend Peter Ball, a former bishop of Lewes and Gloucester, is being held on suspicion of abusing eight boys and men in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was arrested at his home near Langport, Somerset.
09 July 2013
Police Investigated After Taser Incident Video
A police officer is being investigated following the release of video footage, which reportedly shows the officer kicking a man just moments after he had been Tasered. The incident occurred on Brighton seafront on Friday evening, with the video brought to the attention of Sussex police on Monday.
Police Investigated After Taser Incident Video
A police officer is being investigated following the release of video footage, which reportedly shows the officer kicking a man just moments after he had been Tasered. The incident occurred on Brighton seafront on Friday evening, with the video brought to the attention of Sussex police on Monday.
13 February 2009
No Police Action Over 'Baby-Faced' Dad
Sussex Police have said there are no plans to pursue prosecutions after it came to light that a 13-year-old boy had fathered a child with his 15-year-old 'girlfriend'. The force's Child Protection Team said it was aware that a 14-year-old girl had become pregnant as the result of a relationship with a 12-year-old boy, last year.
No Police Action Over 'Baby-Faced' Dad
Sussex Police have said there are no plans to pursue prosecutions after it came to light that a 13-year-old boy had fathered a child with his 15-year-old 'girlfriend'. The force's Child Protection Team said it was aware that a 14-year-old girl had become pregnant as the result of a relationship with a 12-year-old boy, last year.
13 November 2003
Teen stabbed during school assault
A 14-year-old boy has been taken to hospital today after being stabbed at school. The teenage pupil suffered knife wounds this morning during an assault at Longhill School in Rottingdean, Brighton. A 15-year-old boy was arrested and questioned by police over the incident.
Teen stabbed during school assault
A 14-year-old boy has been taken to hospital today after being stabbed at school. The teenage pupil suffered knife wounds this morning during an assault at Longhill School in Rottingdean, Brighton. A 15-year-old boy was arrested and questioned by police over the incident.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
