A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting burglary, fraud, and possessing a knife in public following multiple incidents in Crawley and East Grinstead.
The investigation began after a burglary at Fountains Close, Crawley, on March 2, 2024. Officers later identified Jamal Chery, of Cantaloupe Mews, East Grinstead, as a suspect. Chery voluntarily provided a statement on January 29, 2025, as inquiries continued.
He was subsequently charged with burglary dwelling and theft as well as fraud by false representation, appearing at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on October 1. He was released on bail pending further hearings.
Just nine days later, officers spotted Chery behaving suspiciously in Queens Square, Northgate, Crawley. When approached, he provided false information and attempted to flee a stop-and-search. Police found he was carrying a knife, leading to an additional charge of possessing a bladed article.
Chery appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on October 13, where he was further charged and remanded in custody.
He later admitted all offences during hearings at Lewes Crown Court on October 31.
Chery received a total custodial sentence of 18 months — 12 months for burglary and fraud, and an additional six months for carrying a knife in public.
Police Sergeant Tom Webb praised the sentence, stating:
“I am particularly pleased to see the sentence reflecting the robust stance of Sussex Police on knife possession. Knife crime ruins lives, destroys families, and puts even the person carrying the knife at greater risk of harm.”
