A 19-year-old man has been jailed for 18 months after admitting burglary, fraud and possessing a knife in a public place following a series of incidents in Crawley and East Grinstead.
The investigation began after a burglary was reported in Fountains Close, Crawley, on 2 March 2024. Following extensive enquiries, officers identified Jamal Chery, of Cantaloupe Mews, East Grinstead, as a suspect. He attended voluntarily and provided a statement on 29 January this year as the investigation continued.
Chery was later charged with burglary dwelling and theft, and fraud by false representation, appearing at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 1 October, where he was released on bail pending further hearings.
Just nine days later, officers spotted Chery acting suspiciously in Queens Square, Northgate, Crawley. When approached, he gave false information before attempting to flee a stop and search. He was detained and found to be carrying a knife, leading to his arrest on suspicion of possessing a bladed article.
Chery appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 13 October, where he was further charged and remanded into custody.
He later admitted all offences during two hearings at Lewes Crown Court on 31 October.
Chery received a total custodial sentence of 18 months — 12 months for burglary and fraud, and a further six months for possessing a knife in a public place.
Police Sergeant Tom Webb welcomed the sentence, saying:
“I am particularly pleased to see the sentence reflecting the robust stance of Sussex Police on knife possession. Knife crime ruins lives, destroys families, and puts even the person carrying the knife at greater risk of harm.”
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