Man Sentenced For Violent Robberies In Brighton And Seaford

A man who entered people’s homes and threatened them with an imitation firearm has been sentenced.

Tyler Corteggio carried out the robberies in Brighton and in Seaford.

He stole an electric bicycle after threatening a couple in their home in Brighton with the weapon, then he later entered a property in Seaford and took a Range Rover from a driveway.

He was eventually arrested by specialist officers from the Tactical Firearms Unit.

Following an investigation by Eastbourne and Brighton CID, he appeared in court and was convicted.

Corteggio, 27, formerly a bar worker of Arnold Street, Brighton, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for robbery at Lewes Crown Court on March 28.

The court was told how the first incident happened in Brighton at 1.45pm on July 4 last year.

The victim noticed an external door was ajar, then felt a tap on the back of his head.

He turned around to see Corteggio, who was wearing a mask over his face, pointing an imitation firearm at him.

Corteggio ordered the man to find an electric bicycle, and also pointed the imitation firearm at a woman in the property.

He took the e-bike and left the area, leaving his victims shaken by the incident.

Then on July 14, a resident in Seaford awoke at 3am to find Corteggio inside a property, demanding keys to take a Range Rover on the driveway.

During the incident, the victim noticed that Corteggio also possessed a sledgehammer and an axe.

Corteggio struck the victim on his arm with the sledgehammer.

The Range Rover was taken, but the vehicle was tracked to an address in Brighton by TFU officers.

At the scene a stolen BMW motor vehicle was also identified, where Corteggio had left a wallet with personal documents inside.

TFU officers patrolled the area then located him hiding nearby.

He was arrested, and the investigation revealed how Corteggio had shown the imitation firearm to acquaintance, telling them that it was both real and that he was “not messing about any more”.

Corteggio admitted two counts of robbery, two counts of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of immediate and unlawful violence, and one count of taking a motor vehicle without consent.

Detective Sergeant Jamie Ashford said:

“Corteggio carried out two robberies which were distressing for the victims.

“We are grateful to them for helping the investigation and providing detailed descriptions.

“TFU officers were able to safely detain Corteggio, and CID detectives and investigation staff ensured Corteggio had no choice but to plead guilty in court when presented with the evidence of what he had done.

“This case shows our determination to catch dangerous offenders and prevent them from causing further harm to the community.

“We are pleased that a dangerous offender is behind bars.”