Two shoplifters jailed for robberies in Eastbourne

An 18-year-old man and a 25-year-old man have been jailed following robbery spree in Eastbourne.

The pair committed multiple robberies on 27 December.

5.11pm: Police receive a report of a robbery at Aldi in Lottbridge Drive.

Two men stole a pack of beer and bottle of alcohol, and assaulted staff.

7.20pm: Police receive a report of a robbery at Co-op in Cornfield Road.

Staff were assaulted by two men stealing a pack of beer and other items.

7.48pm: Police receive a report of a robbery of a person in Lismore Road.

A 50-year-old man was dragged from his car and physically assaulted by two men who also stole his phone and jacket.

Enquiries began and officers identified the Louis Thornton, 18, and Liam Kerwin, 25, for the shop robberies.

Speedy work by officers meant that they were located and arrested that evening (27 December) at around 8pm.

Thornton was arrested on suspicion of robbery, and Kerwin was arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop and assault of a constable executing his or her duty.

Following investigation, the duo were arrested on suspicion of further offences on 28 December.

Kerwin was arrested on suspicion of two counts of robbery, and charged the same day with all four offences.

Thornton was arrested on suspicion of two additional counts of robbery and was charged the same day with all three offences.

The pair appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 30 December and were remanded into custody.

Kerwin and Thornton appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 26 January where they both pleaded guilty to all charges and were remanded back into custody ahead of their sentencing.

On 13 February, the pair appeared at Lewes Crown Court.