Here we take a look at some of the criminals locked up during the first third of the year.
All of the information below comes from either Sussex Police or our reporters attending court in person.
37.
North London couple Edward Birigwa, 30, and Kessia Davies, 21, both of Golders Way in London, were jailed for their part in a county lines operation bringing Class A drugs from London into Brighton. The couple were arrested in London on January 27 after a months-long investigation by the Brighton Community Investigation Team and the Met Police's Operation Orochi. Birigwa and Davies' homes were searched and drugs were seized, as well as cash, scales, mobile phones and other items. At Lewes Crown Court on April 23, both pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Birigwa was jailed for five years and Davies was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.
38.
Ian Ellingford, 51, of Ripe Lane in Firle, befriended a vulnerable female girl and sexually abused her for more than three years. At Lewes Crown Court on April 22, he was jailed for 12 years having been convicted of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, all over a decade ago.
39.
Palito Arteaga-Aponte, of Woolborough Road in Crawley, was found guilty of five counts of assault by beating and one count of grievous bodily harm without intent towards a former partner. He also pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage committed on January 2, 2021. At Lewes Crown Court on April 13, he was sentenced to 25 months in prison and given a restraining order prohibiting him from any contact with his victim. DC Jedrzejewska of Crawley CID said: “Arteaga-Aponte’s abusive behaviour has had a huge impact on the victim but through her courage we were able to get the evidence we needed to enable us to arrest him and secure a prosecution. We supported her through the investigation and the court case, and are pleased justice has been done. The victim now has a measure of protection and reassurance, and is building a new life."