Last week saw 14 individuals arrested across the Wealden district.
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Always call 999 in an emergency.
A 17-year-old boy who fatally stabbed a man in Hailsham can now be named after a judge lifted reporting restrictions following his sentencing for manslaughter.
Rhys Hedges, 17, from Hellingly, was charged with the murder of 20-year-old Billy Ripley, who died after an altercation in August 2024. A jury at Lewes Crown Court found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter following a trial which concluded on Friday, 28 March.
The court heard that police were called to Vicarage Field in Hailsham at around 6.20pm on Thursday, 29 August 2024, following reports of a man being stabbed.
Billy was found lying in an alleyway near The Hailsham Club with a single stab wound to the chest. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and officers, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing the victim sitting on a bench in the town centre when Hedges approached. After a verbal exchange, the pair – who were known to each other – moved into the alleyway where the incident took place.
CCTV footage showed an altercation between the two near the entrance to Hailsham Parish Church. Billy then staggered away, calling out he had been stabbed, before collapsing.
The suspect fled the scene but was quickly identified and arrested at an address in Hailsham later that evening. He was subsequently charged and remanded in custody.
On Friday, 23 May, at Lewes Crown Court, Hedges was sentenced to 8 years in prison minus time served.
Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama, of Sussex and Surrey Police’s Major Crime Team, said:
“Billy lost his life in the most tragic circumstances, and our thoughts remain with his family, who have shown immense strength through this incredibly difficult time.
“We are grateful to the witnesses who came forward, and to everyone who supported the investigation.
While nothing can bring Billy back, I hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of closure to his loved ones.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Loader, Sussex Police’s lead for knife crime and serious violence, said:
“Knife crime has devastating consequences. One life lost is too many.
Sussex remains a safe place, with knife crime rates well below the national average. But even one knife on the streets is too many. Please don’t carry a weapon – it endangers you and others. It's simply not worth the risk.”
'We do this job because we love to help and support our communities'
Last week, a card was hand-delivered to the station for PCSO McDonagh and PCSO Tay.
The message inside read, in part:
"You were both so kind and efficient, helpful and friendly. All your efforts were greatly appreciated – you both deserve ‘gold stars’!"
We aim to go above and beyond for all of those we deal with each day, and it's incredibly rewarding to feel the appreciation for what we do.
What a lovely gesture – thank you for reminding us exactly why we love what we do!
PCSO Tay and PCSO Park are the new dedicated PCSOs for Heathfield and Waldron, so what better way to get to know their town than getting out on foot!
They took the opportunity to drop in on local businesses, introduce themselves, and catch up on local goings-on.
Both officers are looking forward to getting to know their area better, attend local events, and offer reassurance and support to the community.
Do stop and say hello when you see them out and about!
For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, visit:
www.sussex.police.uk
(If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call.)
Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response.
In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger, always call 999.
Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at:
www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.
