LOCAL police have sent a clear warning to prospective criminals following the conviction of a burglar at Winchester Crown Court last Friday.
Peter William Sutherland, 31, from Barrack Road in Aldershot was sentenced to four years imprisonment, for burgling a private dwelling in Wheatley, near Kingsley, on June 21 last year.
Sutherland stole oil paintings, jewellery and photographic equipment. Two of the paintings were recovered after Sutherland was arrested and charged on July 31, but the rest of the stolen goods had already been sold.
Sutherland said in his defence that he had been a drug addict, and that he committed the offence to finance his habit. He also stated that he was remorseful for his actions.
Dc Nik Henshaw, of Alton CID, said: ÒTo receive a four-year sentence for a single burglary offence is quite a lengthy sentence.
ÒThe broadsheets have reported recently that the Court of Appeal has gone on record as saying that burglaries where harm or damage has been caused are more serious than those without.
ÒTo get a lengthy sentence where there was no harm or damage sends a very clear message. The bottom line is that no type of burglary is acceptable, and people considering committing such an offence should think again.Ó