East Sussex Arson Duo Locked Up After Terror Spree
Two men have been jailed after a terrifying series of arson attacks and criminal damage across East Sussex. Their rampage blighted communities in Hastings, St Leonards, Rye, and Eastbourne.
Arson and Vandalism Rampage Across Towns
Michael Rodgers, 36, of Battle Road, St Leonards, and Kiarash Majidi, 37, of Grand Parade, St Leonards, were sentenced in July and August for a shocking crime wave that began on August 8, 2023. Starting in Hastings’ Castle Hill Road, they smashed windows and vandalised multiple properties throughout the evening, hitting Priory Road next.
Less than a week later, the pair stepped up their attacks on August 14. They smashed windows on Chiltern Drive, set a car ablaze on Linton Road, and caused damage at homes and vehicles on Lower Park Road, Boyne Road, and Pottingfield Road in Rye. They didn’t stop there – the early hours of August 16 saw them target a property and vehicle on The Rookery in Eastbourne, plus more destruction in St Leonards and Hastings.
Foiled Break-In Leads to Arrest
Their spree came to a halt on August 25 when they tried to break into a property on Sedlescombe Road South, St Leonards. A vigilant local spotted the attempted break-in and called police. Officers caught up with a suspicious vehicle carrying a crowbar, an axe handle, a jerry can of petrol, and soaked clothing – all evidence linked to the crimes. Rodgers and Majidi were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Both were initially bailed but were quickly rearrested after video evidence from their phones surfaced. On October 31, 2023, they were charged – Rodgers with 10 counts of criminal damage and one count of reckless arson; Majidi with eight counts of criminal damage and one for reckless arson. Both pleaded guilty.
Sentences Handed Down at Lewes and Brighton
Judges handed down prison terms this summer. Majidi received three years and four months at Lewes Crown Court on July 27. Rodgers was sentenced to two years and four months at Brighton Crown Court on August 9.
The tough sentences offer a measure of justice for victims left shaken by the duo’s destructive crime spree. Police have praised local residents whose quick actions helped bring the offenders to book.
