Intruder Andrew Short Pleads Guilty to Royal Hippodrome Theatre Break-In

A man has pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal following a break-in at the historic Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne.

The defendant, Andrew Short, aged 42 and of no fixed address, was apprehended by Sussex Police inside the theatre, located on Seaside, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, January 28, 2025.

Rapid Police Response

Emergency services had been alerted to a suspected break-in at the landmark theatre at approximately 11:55 p.m. on the night of January 27. Responding officers arrived on the scene rapidly and took Short into custody within six minutes of their arrival.

Court Proceedings

Following his arrest, Short was charged with burglary with intent to steal. Fortunately, theatre management confirmed that nothing was taken during the intrusion, and no permanent damage was reported.

Short entered a guilty plea during his appearance at Brighton Magistrates' Court. He was subsequently granted bail with conditions ahead of his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled to take place on March 21, 2025.