Prolific Hailsham offender jailed for burglary, fraud and theft crimes
Michael Stonestreet sentenced to more than three years in prison after carrying out a series of offences
A repeat offender has been sentenced to more than three years in prison after admitting to a string of burglary, fraud and theft offences in Hailsham.
38-year-old Michael Stonestreet carried out several crimes across the town over a number of months, targeting victims and stealing cash and personal belongings.
In one incident, Stonestreet entered a property and stole a handbag containing bank cards. The stolen cards were later used at a nearby convenience store and petrol station.
Police officers quickly launched enquiries and identified him through CCTV footage captured at both locations. He was arrested the next morning, on Friday 13 February, before being charged later that day.
At the time of his arrest, Stonestreet was already being sought by police over a separate fraud investigation dating back to December 2025.
Officers discovered he had used a victim’s stolen bank cards to make several ATM withdrawals worth almost £2,000 after the victim’s purse was found abandoned in the street. He was later charged with fraud by false representation.
Police also linked him to the theft of nearly £2,000 in cash from a vehicle in Hailsham in November 2025. CCTV footage showed Stonestreet stealing a rucksack containing the money from a van before fleeing the area. He was subsequently charged with theft from a motor vehicle.
Stonestreet admitted all three offences and appeared at Hove Crown Court on Friday 15 May, where he was sentenced to three years and two months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Jake O’Reilly, from the East Sussex Burglary Unit, said: “We recognise the emotional and financial impact these offences have on victims, and we will always do our utmost to quickly identify and apprehend those responsible.
“I would like to thank the witnesses and officers involved in this investigation whose work ensured Stonestreet was brought before the courts and held accountable for his actions.”