Prolific burglar jailed for 43 months after being confronted by woman inside her Hove home

Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 10:00

By V2 Radio

A prolific burglar who was confronted by a woman after breaking into her home in Hove has been jailed for three years and seven months.

Jason Knight, 37, of Chailey Road, Brighton, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 27 October after admitting burglary and fraud offences.

The incident happened at a property in Waterloo Street, Hove, on 28 April, when Knight entered the woman's home and stole several personal belongings.

Among the items taken was the victim's bank card, which was subsequently used to make purchases at nearby shops.

Following the burglary, Sussex Police launched an investigation, carrying out searches of the surrounding area and making enquiries which led to the arrest of Knight and two other individuals.

Knight was charged with burglary and fraud by false representation and remanded in custody.

Two others, Victoria Hayes-Sparkes, 32, of Western Road, Brighton, and Stefan Gilmore, 34, of no fixed address, were charged with assisting an offender.

All three appeared before Brighton Magistrates' Court on 29 April.

Knight later appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 26 May, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud.

However, Hayes-Sparkes and Gilmore subsequently failed to attend court, and warrants have been issued for their arrest.

On Tuesday 27 October, Knight returned to Lewes Crown Court, where he also pleaded guilty to burglary.

He was sentenced to 37 months in prison for the burglary, with an additional six months imposed for breaching a suspended sentence relating to an assault conviction from January 2025.

The combined sentence means Knight will serve a total prison term of 43 months.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable James Botting, of Sussex Police, highlighted the lasting impact burglary can have on victims.

He said: "We understand that the impact of burglaries can be long lasting for victims, not just financially but emotionally too.

"Sussex Police will continue to investigate any report of burglary, pursuing all reasonable lines of enquiry to hold offenders accountable for their crimes and bringing justice to victims."

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