George Jhugroo, 24, of Brookfield Avenue in Mitcham, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison following a series of offences in Brighton. Jhugroo was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on May 23 after pleading guilty to robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

The incident occurred on May 28, 2023, when the victim left his bike locked on Kings Road, near Cavendish Place, while visiting the lower seafront promenade. A short while later, the victim noticed sparks and saw Jhugroo using an angle grinder to cut the lock off the bike.

Despite members of the public gathering and requesting him to stop, Jhugroo threatened to assault them with the angle grinder. After successfully removing the lock, he rode off on the bike towards Norfolk Square. During an altercation following the robbery, Jhugroo sustained an injury, and the bike was subsequently recovered.

Jhugroo later sought treatment at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, where he was intercepted by police and arrested. He was bailed with strict conditions pending further enquiries. Jhugroo was officially charged on February 5, 2024.

Detective Constable James Botting commented on the case: “The swift action of witnesses reporting crucial detail ensured that police were able to quickly apprehend Jhugroo. We hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to others considering similar criminal activities. We are grateful to those who confronted Jhugroo, but we want to remind the public that their safety is paramount. If you witness a crime in progress, please act with caution and call 999 at the earliest opportunity. Your safety is more important than anything else.”

Jhugroo’s guilty plea led to his sentencing on May 23, underscoring the serious consequences of his actions.