Prolific burglar jailed after Greggs break-in

A man has been jailed for the latest in a series of commercial break-ins.

Robert Jody May had already been convicted of trespassing with intent to steal from a number of stores in Eastbourne.

These included Superdrug in Terminus Road on 27 January 2021; The Tattoo Lounge in Station Street on 31 January 2021; and The Works in Station Street on 31 January 2021.

He was given a suspended sentence order, which meant if he committed any further offences within a specified time frame, he could face prison.

In the early hours of 9 October 2022, police were called after an intruder alarm activated at Greggs in Montague Street, Worthing.

Two suspects had forced entry via a roof hatch, causing extensive damage, and stole a quantity of cash from the safe.

Enquiries led to the arrest of May, 48, of no fixed address, and Patrick Knight, 52, also of no fixed address. Both men were charged with burglary.

May pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to a total of 18 months’ imprisonment – which included the activation of his suspended sentence for the previous offences – at Lewes Crown Court on 6 January.

Knight failed to attend and enquiries are ongoing to locate him.