Two men have been jailed for a series of criminal damage and arson attacks across East Sussex – including in Rye – in August last year.
Michael Rodgers, 36 of Battle Road in St Leonards, smashed windows on Pottingfield Road in Rye in the early hours on August 15 2023. He was charged along with Kiarash Majidi, 37 of Grand Parade in St Leonards, after a series of other terrorizing acts in Hastings and Eastbourne which included stoning houses and setting a car on fire.
Their crime spree came to an end on August 25, 2023 when police were called to a property in Sedlescombe Road South, St Leonards, at around 1am. Rodgers and Majidi attempted to force entry to a gate at the rear of the building, but the disturbance alerted a resident who provided a clear description of the men involved and of their getaway vehicle to police.
The pair went on to slash a swimming pool in the garden of the property, causing the basement to flood, and then used weapons to smash glass panes on the front door before driving away.
They were stopped by police who found a crowbar, axe handle and jerry can of petrol inside, along with wet clothes. Rodgers and Majidi were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Two months later, after new evidence and video footage of the crimes was obtained from Majidi and Rodgers’ phones, the men were further arrested and charged the following day.
Rodgers was charged with 10 counts of criminal damage and one count of arson with recklessness. Majidi was charged with eight counts of criminal damage, and one count of arson with recklessness.
On June 10, both Rodgers and Majidi pleaded guilty to all criminal damage charges entered guilty pleas of arson. At Lewes Crown Court on July 27, Majidi was sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment. Just under two weeks later, on Friday August 9, Rodgers was sentenced at Brighton Crown Court to two years and four months imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Jason Tuck said the two men terrorised communities across East Sussex causing senseless damage. “Their actions had a profound impact on the victims, stripping them of their sense of safety and security. Rodgers and Majidi’s behaviour didn’t just harm the direct victims, it instilled fear throughout the wider community. With their sentencing, we hope this outcome sends a strong and unambiguous message, criminal behaviour will not be tolerated by Sussex Police.”
Image Credits: Sussex Police .