A teenager who fatally stabbed a man in Hailsham has been named as Rhys Hedges, 17, from Hellingly, after reporting restrictions were lifted following his sentencing at Lewes Crown Court.
Hedges was found guilty of manslaughter after the death of 20-year-old Billy Ripley during a violent altercation in Vicarage Field, Hailsham, on 29 August 2024. He was acquitted of murder by a jury on Friday, 28 March 2025 and sentenced to eight years in prison, minus time already served, on Friday, 23 May.
Emergency services were called at around 6.20pm after reports of a stabbing. Billy was found in an alleyway near The Hailsham Club, suffering a single stab wound to the chest. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to court testimony, the two young men were known to each other. Witnesses saw them exchange words near the town centre before walking into an alleyway, where the stabbing took place. CCTV footage captured the moment of the altercation near Hailsham Parish Church, showing Billy staggering away and shouting he had been stabbed before collapsing.
Hedges fled the scene but was swiftly arrested at a Hailsham address later that evening.
Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama, from 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.”
“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, added:
“Knife crime has devastating consequences. Sussex remains a safe place, but even one knife on the streets is too many. Please don’t carry a weapon — it endangers you and others.”
Anyone concerned about knife crime or those who may be carrying weapons is urged to contact Sussex Police via 101, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
