A 29-year-old man from Ringwood has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for a string of offences, including two business burglaries and assaults on two police officers. William George Sheen, who has no fixed abode, received his sentence at Southampton Crown Court on March 19th.
Key takeaways
- William George Sheen, 29, jailed for 28 months.
- Convicted of business burglaries at Bramshaw Golf Club and Sandby Balls Holiday Park.
- Also guilty of assaulting two police officers, one causing ABH-level injury, and escaping lawful custody.
- Stole over £8,000 in golf equipment and £1,470 in cash and alcohol.
Details of the offences
The court heard about several incidents involving Sheen. On May 3rd, he assaulted two police officers on Tremona Road, Southampton, with one sustaining an ABH-level injury. He also escaped lawful custody during this incident, for which he received an 18-month sentence.
Prior to this, Sheen committed two business burglaries. On October 2nd, he stole over £8,000 worth of golf equipment from Bramshaw Golf Club in Brook, Lyndhurst. For this offence, he was given a ten-month custodial sentence.
Later, on November 28th, he targeted Sandby Balls Holiday Park in Fordingbridge, stealing £800 worth of alcohol and £670 in cash from a restaurant on the premises. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug.
Police response and statements
Following the sentencing, Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, New Forest District Commander, emphasised the zero-tolerance approach to assaults on officers. He stated, "We will never tolerate our officers being assaulted in the course of their duties. Each assault on one of our officers is a deliberate attack on a person performing a public duty." He added that officers should not have to fear assault while keeping communities safe.
Sergeant Nicholas Gardner expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "I’m pleased for all the victims of Sheen that he has now been placed behind bars, where he belongs, unable to commit further crimes." He hoped the sentence would offer comfort and reassurance to the victims, knowing that a "prolific offender" is no longer active on the streets.
Sergeant Gardner also highlighted the force’s commitment to tackling all types of burglary, assuring the public that they will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police.
Sources
- Man, 29, jailed for 28 months for business burglary and assault police offences, Hampshire Constabulary.
