Southampton man sentenced for burglary aboard a boat

A man who pleaded guilty to burglary aboard a boat was sentenced to nine months in prison at Southampton Crown Court today (18 August).

The court heard how Franklin Anthony Edwards, 57, of Commercial Road in Southampton pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to committing burglary from a boat at Drivers Wharf on 27 August 2022.

It comes after he accepted an offer of casual work from a boat owner in a boatyard based in Northam.

As part of his employment, he was specifically told to not enter certain locations.

When the victim of the burglary was distracted, Edwards climbed into the boat, found the victim’s wallet and emptied it of cash – totalling £500 in total. He then left the boat from the other side and vacated the boatyard.

At a sentencing hearing at Southampton Crown Court, Franklin Edwards was sentenced to nine months in jail.

Police Staff Investigator, Steve Hortin of the Western Area Crime Team - Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s dedicated burglary team – said: “This was a targeted offence of an elderly and vulnerable male who had, in all good faith, offered Edwards genuine employment.

“Edwards actions show his complete disrespect for, and completely selfish attitude to, everyone else.

“He was so focused on his criminal activities – and pure greed - that he missed key cameras that tracked his approach to and departure from the boat, as well as the act of stealing the cash.

“We hope that this sentence sends a message to criminals that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary will pursue you.”

“We hope also that today’s ruling reassures Hampshire residents that we will seek to bring those who cause harm in our communities to justice.”