New Forest pair jailed for more than 11 years over £100,000 burglary spree
Billy Ridout and Thomas Wellman admitted conspiracy to burgle and steal after a lengthy police investigation
Two men from the New Forest have been jailed for a combined total of eleven years and five months after admitting a series of burglary and theft offences.
Billy Ridout, 29, of Hedley Close, Fawley, and Thomas Anthony Wellman, 29, of Rushpole Court, Dibden, were sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Friday 25th September.
Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal.
The offences formed part of a vehicle and burglary related theft series across the New Forest, during which more than £100,000 worth of property was reported stolen from multiple victims.
What happened in court
Wellman was sentenced to six years and nine months behind bars for two counts of conspiracy to burgle and two counts of conspiracy to steal.
Ridout was sentenced to four years and eight months for two counts of conspiracy to burgle, two counts of conspiracy to steal and one count of driving whilst disqualified.
Ridout was also disqualified from driving for four years.
More than 20 further burglary and theft offences, which the men admitted but were not charged with, were taken into consideration as part of the overall sentencing.
What the judge said
Judge Mousley KC addressed both men during sentencing.
"I cannot ignore the misery, inconvenience and changes to people's lifestyles you have caused by this offending," Judge Mousley KC said.
"I reject any suggestion that these offences aren't serious.
"This was planned, organised and prolonged behaviour causing loss to a number of people," Judge Mousley KC said.
Police response
New Forest District Commander, Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, said the sentencing reflected the force's ongoing efforts to tackle acquisitive crime in the area.
"We are committed and determined in our efforts to tackle and reduce acquisitive crime across the New Forest, as this case and outcome should again demonstrate," Chief Inspector Scott Johnson said.
"This sentencing highlights our relentless hard work in following every line of enquiry to secure justice for victims by putting prolific offenders behind bars, making our communities safer and more secure as a direct result," Chief Inspector Scott Johnson said.
"This was a very long and complex investigation, but I am very pleased to see that it has culminated with both men being imprisoned, and for a significant period of time," Chief Inspector Scott Johnson said.
"Ridout and Wellman wreaked havoc and misery on many innocent people in our district, stealing a huge number of items from them in the process," Chief Inspector Scott Johnson said.
"Both men felt they were above the law, but through our extensive investigation, which involved multiple departments and teams, including the New Forest Neighbourhood Enforcement Team and Waterside Neighbourhood Policing Team, we have now brought those victims the justice they deserve," Chief Inspector Scott Johnson said.
How to report a crime
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is asking anyone who needs to report a burglary, theft or any other crime to call 101.
Crimes can also be reported through the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website.