Two prolific shoplifters have been sentenced to prison for a series of thefts across Eastbourne, involving more than £5,000 worth of stolen goods over 44 incidents.
Lee Parnaby, 32, and Leander Fitzgerald, 30, both of Udimore Road, Udimore, targeted multiple stores across Eastbourne, including Co-op locations at Albert Parade, Cornfield Road, Milfoil Drive, and Framfield Way. The pair also stole from Sainsbury’s, The Beacon, Tesco on Seaside Road, and Savers on Terminus Road, repeatedly taking items over a period of several months.
Parnaby faced charges for 26 separate shoplifting incidents committed between April 22 and October 1, 2024. Meanwhile, Fitzgerald was charged with 18 shoplifting incidents, occurring between August 22, 2023, and October 2, 2024.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to all charges on October 4 at Brighton Magistrates’ Court. They each received a sentence of 26 weeks’ imprisonment for their crimes, reflecting the extent of their offending and the significant impact on local businesses.
The sentences serve as a warning to others engaged in similar activities, emphasizing that persistent shoplifting will be met with firm legal consequences. Local business owners and authorities hope the outcome will deter further incidents and help restore a sense of security to the affected stores.
