Hove Bus Driver Commended After Victim Whispered for Help: James Sinden Jailed
James Sinden, jailed at Brighton Crown Court (Photo: Sussex Police)
A man has been jailed for more than four years after his victim secretly told a bus driver she was suffering domestic abuse while they travelled together in Hove, Sussex Police has said.
James Sinden, 43, who has no fixed address, was sentenced at Brighton Crown Court on Tuesday 6 October after being convicted of assault by penetration and false imprisonment. The driver was commended by the court for his part in the case.
Sources: Sussex Police court result, 21 October 2026, also reported by our news partner Sussex News. The victim has not been named and is protected by law.
What happened on the bus
The incident that led to Sinden’s arrest happened on Sunday 9 November 2025, when the victim boarded a bus in Hove with him.
While on board, the distressed woman whispered to the driver that she was experiencing domestic abuse. The driver removed Sinden from the bus and continued further along the route to make sure he was separated from the victim, before contacting police.
The driver was later commended by the court for his role in helping to bring Sinden to justice and in ensuring the victim was safe.
The sentence
What Sussex Police said
“We commend the bravery of Sinden’s victim for having the courage to alert the bus driver to the horrific abuse she was suffering, which subsequently led to Sinden’s arrest.”
“The bus driver was given a court commendation for his part in bringing Sinden to justice and ensuring the victim was safe on that night in November last year.”
“We want to assure anyone who is undergoing domestic abuse that you will be listened to, believed and supported.”
Detective Sergeant Rod Davis, Sussex Police
Sussex Police said the case showed how important it is that victims are able to seek help, and that people take action when someone tells them about abuse.
If you or someone you know needs help
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. RISE, which runs a helpline for Brighton and Hove, says that if you cannot speak you can press 55 on a mobile to alert the police. We also covered the domestic abuse warning issued in Brighton and Hove during the World Cup.
How the case unfolded
Sources
More local court and crime stories are under Crime, Crime and Courts and Hove on ImJustBrighton.
Read more from ImJustBrighton
Brighton and Hove World Cup 2026 Warning: Give Domestic Abuse the Red Card
Fake Taxi Driver Jailed for 20 Years After Brighton Kidnap and Rape
Richard Bennett Jailed 18 Years: Eastbourne Man Convicted of Rape
