Prolific shoplifter and burglar jailed for four months after Southampton crime spree

A 32-year-old man has been sentenced after being found guilty of committing numerous offences across Southampton between December 2022 and October 2023.

William Michael Stait, of no fixed abode, appeared at Southampton Crown Court today (23 October) to face charges of burglary, theft from a shop and going equipped to steal.

The court heard how William Stait carried out a spree of offending, including:

- Entering John Lewis in West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton at around 1.30pm on 11 October and stealing a quantity of alcohol.

- Entering TK Maxx on Above Bar Street, Southampton at 3.20pm on 14 October and stealing two bottles of perfume totalling a cost of £80

- Forced entry to a restaurant on St. Michaels Street, Southampton at around 4.45am on 19 December 2022; where a quantity of cash and alcohol were stolen.

- The office of The Red Funnel on Bugle Street, Southampton was broken into just after midnight on 25 December 2022 where IT equipment and other items worth thousands of pounds was stolen

- The Dolphin Hotel on Osborne Road was broken into just before 4am on 30 December 2022. £400 of cash was stolen alongside a quantity of alcohol.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, William Strait was sentenced to four months in prison.

He was also further recalled to prison in relation to a previous conviction in March 2023 following a stream of criminal acts conducted in Southampton and Portsmouth whilst still on probation – including burglary, shoplifting and theft from a vehicle.

As a result, Stait will now be remanded in prison until July 2024.

Police Staff Investigator Steve Hortin, Western Area Crime Team, said: “I am pleased to see that a prolific criminal has been sent to prison for the crimes that he has committed and that he is now off the streets of Southampton.

“Today’s ruling shows that despite being released from prison early following an earlier conviction, that William Stait showed a complete disregard for the criminal justice system and acted as if that was the end of the matter. However, he has been reminded that when released early he is at risk of being recalled to prison if he fails to behave in accordance to his probation conditions.

“It is hoped that he will learn an important lesson following his latest conviction and that, just as importantly, the general public feel reassured that the Constabulary will continue to relentless pursue those who cause harm in our communities and secure justice for the crimes they have committed.

"We remain committed to protecting our local communities and hope that today’s result demonstrates that.”