Hailsham: Teenager faces murder charges after stabbing

Detectives are continuing their investigation after Billy Ripley, from Hailsham, was stabbed to death at the town's Vicarage Field shopping centre last Thursday.

The 17-year-old boy is accused of murdering him by stabbing him in the heart. His name cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.

Flowers left at the crime scene in Hailsham (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Judge Christine Laing KC told a hearing at Lewes Crown Court this morning that the boy's trial would begin in January and was expected to last three weeks. The boy was not present in court.

Sussex Police detectives continue to conduct door-to-door investigations in the town.

The family of 20-year-old Mr Ripley have launched a fundraiser for his funeral and headstone, raising £4,500 so far.

Read more: Tribute to stabbed “loving, caring and kind” father

Lewes Crown Court (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

Mr Ripley, who was pronounced dead at the scene on Thursday evening, leaves behind a partner and two-year-old daughter. They are being supported by specialist police officers.

His aunt Julie Puttick said: “He was a family man who loved everyone, especially his daughter.

“We would like to raise this money to give him the farewell and gravestone he deserves, as he was a loving, caring and kind young man who will be missed by all of us and who will always be with us.”

Officials in Hailsham last Thursday (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Detectives worked throughout the night to secure evidence, collecting video footage from surveillance cameras and combing alleys and streets while large parts of the city center were cordoned off.

Large parts of the city centre – including the churchyard and the main street – were cordoned off by the police. (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell.

He said: “This was an extremely disturbing incident, not least for Billy Ripley’s family and friends, but also for the wider public.

“I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while our officers at the scene conducted investigations.

“Our officers will continue to patrol to provide reassurance and in the meantime I would continue to ask anyone who can assist us with our investigation to please come forward and contact us.”

Two other people were arrested as part of the police investigation. A 21-year-old woman from Hailsham was arrested on Friday on suspicion of aiding and abetting a crime. She has since been released on bail.

Another 20-year-old man was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He remains in police custody.