A man from Redhill has been jailed following a violent crime spree.

40 year-old Bernard Hicks targeted people in the Merstham and South Nutfield areas.

He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, robbery, dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

Hicks attempted to steal a car in Merstham in November.  He threatened a pregnant woman with a screwdriver whilst her children were in the vehicle.  The victim managed to defend herself and Hicks walked away, turning his focus to another vehicle.

Moments after his first attempt Hicks threatened another woman with a screwdriver and dragged her from her vehicle by her hair. He then stole the Alpha Romeo and robbed a post office in South Nutfield.

Officers located Hicks quickly and after a short pursuit arrested him in Horley.

Hicks has been sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.

There is misery for Crawley Town FC as midfielder Jimmy Smith has been ruled out of action.

The 28 year-old broke his foot during the Reds’ 3-nil defeat away to Portsmouth at the weekend.

Smith is expected to be in a protective cast for six weeks and it is believed he may be out of action for 10 weeks.

An assessment is being made this week on Josh Yorwerth’s hamstring injury and Joe McNerney is having a scan on his knee.

Lee Barnard, however, has resumed training after bruising his ribs against Wycombe and defender Lanre Oyebanjo is also back with the squad following his knee operation last summer.

Crawley Town FC host Cambridge United on Saturday.

Concern is increasing for a woman who failed to meet a friend at Gatwick Airport.

Luisa Lizariturry Varela was due to meet at the airport on Sunday December 27th.  Officers believe she may have been seen in Bristol that same day.

The 56 year-old is described as a white woman with dark coloured hair.

An investigation launched following the rape of a woman in Horsham has highlighted a man who may be able to help with enquiries.

The attack occurred the early hours of August 8th in Horsham Park.

The 21 year-old victim reported chatting with a man shortly before the incident took place.  The man indicated he had a sister, possibly a twin, and that he was staying in the North Heath area of the town.

Anyone who can identify the man is being asked to contact Sussex Police.

Are you a young musician living in Surrey?

A new £2000 grant is being offered to instrumentalists aged between 5 and 17 years old playing any musical genres.

The Alan Young Award is a new fund being offered by AYM – Awards for Young Musicians, a UK arts charity.  It will be awarded to the applicant showing the most promise from Surrey.  The winner will also benefit from individually tailored support.

The deadline for applications is Friday 18 March 2016 and Awards will be announced in May 2016.    Full details of how to apply can be found at www.a-y-m.org.uk