Man sentenced for robbery in Hailsham

A man who was part of a group who robbed an elderly man in his home in Hailsham has been sentenced.

Joshua McKenzie was in a group of four people who broke into the property in Ersham Road.

A man in his 80s was threatened for money and was struck during the incident, then cash was taken from the address.

McKenzie was linked after his DNA was found at the scene.

After a trial at Lewes Crown Court, McKenzie, 41, of Orchard Grove, Penge, was found guilty of robbery.

On April 10 he was sentenced to nine years in prison.

The court was told how the incident happened in the early hours of October 7 last year.

The victim awoke to find four masked men in his home.

They threatened him and demanded money.

McKenzie’s DNA was recognised from blood left at the scene by the group who entered the property.

At interview, he claimed he was assaulted in Hailsham and that was how his DNA was transferred to the address.

But McKenzie refused to answer any further police questions.

When he was arrested, police completed a search of the address where he was found and discovered bank notes, weapons including knives, a metal baseball bat, and a paintball gun, along with face masks and balaclavas.

Investigator Laura Rolph said: “This was  distressing incident for the victim who was threatened in his own home.

“McKenzie tried to concoct a story about being assaulted, but we found evidence connecting him to the robbery when we arrested him.

“He refused to provide any answers to officers about the accomplices.

“The case shows our determination to catch dangerous offenders. We are pleased that McKenzie was found guilty and has been taken off the streets.

“Anyone with further information about the incident can report it to us online, quoting serial 37 of 07/10/2023.”