Southampton man jailed for more than 3 years following burglary and fraud offences

A 51-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for more than three years after pleading guilty to burglary and fraud offences at Southampton Crown Court.

Aaron Denisson Howard of Southampton Road, Southampton appeared at Southampton Crown Court after being charged with offences amounting to burglary, fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods.

This follows two separate incidents in Southampton between Friday 22 March and Monday 25 March earlier this year.

The court heard how individual(s) entered a property on Coventry Road in Southampton between 04:00am and 08:00am on Friday 22 March via a small top window that was left unsecure. While inside the property they stole a handbag containing a purse and two unopened parcels.

A short while later, it was proven – via banking statements – that the victims card was used by Aaron Howard to spend a total sum of £70 at a gambling shop in the Southampton area.

In a further incident, the court were informed that Howard had entered a property - having forced entry via the front door - on Derby Road in Southampton between 9:30pm and 9:50pm on Monday 25 March. Once inside, a messy search was conducted with high-value jewellery, a Samsung mobile phone and a large chef kitchen knife were stolen from the property.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday 28 November where he pleaded guilty to one count of burglary dwelling, one count of fraud by false representation and one count of handling stolen goods.

He was sentenced to a total of 3 years and 9 months in jail. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Detective Constable Jess Swift, who led the investigation, said: “Burglary is one of the most intrusive crimes. It can have untold, long-lasting impacts on the victims of these crimes. No one should have to feel unsafe in their own homes once behind closed doors.

“I am pleased that we are now in a position whereby he will now behind bars for a significant period of time following his guilty plea.

“We hope that this result provides the victims in this instance reassurance that we have taken their case seriously and that we will do what we can to secure justice against those seeking to cause harm in our local communities.

“This sentence should send out a strong message to would-be opportunists. We will find you, we will put you in front of the courts and you will have to face justice, and the consequences, of your actions.

"Hampshire and the Isle of Wight remains a hostile place for criminals and we will always do what we can to ensure that you are caught and that you are held accountable for your actions.”