A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to prison following a series of violent incidents in East Grinstead—one a knifepoint robbery, the other a disorderly outbreak at a petrol station.
On 27th July of last year, at approximately 8:45 am, Bailey Crowhurst entered a shop on London Road, East Grinstead. Initially, he appeared to purchase a ginger beer. After lingering outside for a few minutes, he reentered the premises wielding a large knife and threatened a shop worker. He demanded tobacco and alcohol—items valued at up to £400. The victim was left shocked and distressed by the encounter.
Crowhurst was arrested on 12 September and charged with robbery and possession of a knife in a public place. He was remanded to Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 16 September, at which point he was bailed pending further proceedings.
In a separate incident on 30 September at around 11:30 pm, Crowhurst was involved in a disturbance at a petrol station in Station Road, East Grinstead. He acted aggressively inside the store, throwing items—including wine bottles (as many as 15)—and smashing fridge doors. He was arrested two days later, on 2 October, and brought before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 3 October, when he was remanded in custody.
At Lewes Crown Court on 3 October, Crowhurst admitted to the charges of robbery, affray, and possession of a knife in a public place. He was sentenced to:
5 years in prison for the robbery and associated offences,
An additional 3 years as an extended sentence for dangerousness.
Because of the extended sentence, he will not be automatically released on licence at the halfway point; instead, he must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial sentence before he is even eligible for parole. After release, he will remain subject to recall to prison for up to three further years.
Detective Constable Conor Burgess, the investigating officer, said:
“Crowhurst displayed violent behaviour in two incidents in East Grinstead. His actions showed he is a danger to the public of serious violence, and he was a priority for arrest once identified as a suspect. We were determined to ensure this dangerous offender was caught, and we are pleased that he is now serving a significant custodial sentence.”
He also reiterated that tackling retail crime remains a priority for Sussex Police and emphasised the importance of crime reporting and support for retail staff.
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