Southampton man sentenced to over two years following burglary

A man has been sentenced to nearly two and a half years in prison for a residential burglary in Southampton.

Mitchell Cooper, 37, of Hillyfields in Southampton appeared before Southampton Crown Court today (24 May) after being charged with burglary.

The court heard how on Tuesday 11 April 2023, between 10.30pm and 10.45pm, Cooper was found outside a property on Twyford Avenue after the home owner found his conservatory door open and two of their chainsaws missing.

Cooper was detained by the homeowner, before an altercation ensued between the pair; resulting in Cooper becoming threatening towards the victim.

He was arrested by officers who had arrive on-scene shortly afterwards.

The two chainsaws were recovered by police after locating them in a vehicle parked down the road from the property; which was later discovered to be registered to Cooper’s address.

Appearing at court today, Cooper was sentenced to 29 months for burglary.

Police Staff Investigator Cherelle Powell of Southampton’s Operation Hawk burglary investigation team, said: “Burglary is such an invasive crime. It causes upset and stress to the victims which can be long-lasting.

“It is right that the public should be protected from the offender. We hope that prison sentences deter other persons from committing such crimes."