Burglar Jailed After Late-Night Crime Spree in Winchester

A man has been sentenced to two years in prison after committing two burglaries within hours in Winchester earlier this year.

Nigel Charles Withers, 61, formerly of no fixed abode, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, 8 August, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary.

The court heard that at around 3.15am on 8 May, Withers climbed through an open window at a property on St Georges Street. When confronted by the resident, he claimed he was looking for somewhere to stay the night before leaving via the same window.

While officers were searching the area for the suspect, staff at the Royal Hotel flagged them down to report that a man had gained entry to a restricted area and attempted to steal bottles of wine. The offender fled through an open window, abandoning a rucksack filled with alcohol.

Withers was detained nearby, wearing clothing matching descriptions given by both the hotel staff and the earlier burglary victim.

PC Nick Horsey said: “We take reports of burglary extremely seriously, and know the impact this type of crime can have on a victim. I am pleased that we have been successful at bringing an offender to justice, and that Withers will spend some time in jail.

“We hope that this result highlights 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.”