Rye arsonist given five year jail sentence

Haycher, 20, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court last week for arson as well as a burglary at Rye Harbour and two offences of criminal damage at the Frenchman’s Beach holiday park at Rye Harbour.

The sports pavilion, which was used by both Rye United Football Club and Rye Cricket Club, was left gutted after being torched overnight on Saturday August 21.

Two fire engines, and fire fighters using six sets of breathing apparatus, tackled the blaze.

The arson caused outrage in the local community and sparked a big police hunt.

Rye Cricket Club lost memorabilia dating back to 1890.

Martin Blincow, from the club said: “We were devastated. There was complete loss of bar stock and junior cricket club equipment which runs into thousands of pounds.

“The equipment was carefully built up over the years.”

Rye Football Club chairman Clive Taylor said: “We spent a fortune upgrading the pavilion getting it ready for the new season. It is a real body blow.”

Crime has been an issue at The Salts with the pavilion broken into several times over the past year and the football club’s new stand was vandalised the first night it was installed.

Chief Inspector Heather Keating said, “My team and I are working together with the community and partners to keep Rye a safe and pleasant place to live, work and visit.

“We have made a number of significant arrests over the past few months and we are seeing the benefits of targeting those who cause the most harm.

“Anyone thinking of committing crime within Rother must be prepared to answer for their actions as we still have a number of active investigations.”