A man from Surrey has been jailed for 11 years for rape and other sexual offences against a girl in Crowborough.
61-year-old David Connolly, of Norwood Hill Road in Charlwood, raped and sexually abused a girl under 15 years of age between 1998 and 2000 - He was a serving Kent Police officer at the time of the offences.
Police say his victim was known to him, and his offending was not linked to his role as a police officer.
Motorcyclist injured in serious collision
A serious collision involving a car and a motorcycle occurred in Eastbourne on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, resulting in serious injuries to a 65-year-old motorcyclist.
Police launch manhunt for prison absconder with links to Sussex
Thames Valley Police have launched an urgent manhunt for Darnell Smith, a 27-year-old prisoner who absconded from HMP Springhill in Buckinghamshire around 11:30 am on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Original Factory Shop stores at risk of closure in Sussex
The Original Factory Shop has fallen into administration, putting the future of the chain’s 137 stores and 1,180 staff at risk.
Ashdown Radio to host new music festival in Eastbourne this summer
The two day music event is organised by local MC and artist Miss Melody, who was behind the Bexfest Festivals at The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and will be fronted by Ashdown Radio's Ryan Millns & Martyn Grenfell
Crowborough care home celebrates the grand opening of the Ashdown Room
The Ashdown Room was officially opened at the High Broom Care Home in Crowborough.
15 more people convicted of drink-driving
Sussex Police have named 18-year-old Oliver Durrant as one of the latest 15 individuals convicted during their winter drink and drug-driving crackdown, Operation Limit.
£250m investment in cancer care confirmed by the Government
The government has officially confirmed a £250 million investment to build a new, state-of-the-art Sussex Cancer Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton
Two men charged with ‘possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin’ following proactive patrols in East Sussex
On 30 January 2026, Sussex Police announced the charging of two men for drug supply offences following proactive patrols in the North Laine area of Brighton.
