A sailor was caught stealing booze and tomato sauce from his neighbours in Upper Minety.
39-year-old William Gifford pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary when he appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning (Wednesday).
Prosecutor Pauline Lambert said the defendant, across dates between 21 September and 2 October 2022, entered outbuildings in the Minety area of Wiltshire.
The competitive sailor, who represented Cotswold Sailing Club at a national competition in 2021, stole bottles of alcohol worth more than £500 in the spate of thefts.
He also stole tomato sauce – but no alcohol – from the bar area of a nearby glamping site.
Gifford, of Charlton House, Upper Minety, was on a suspended sentence order for similar crimes at the time of the offences. He is also on a community order after pleading guilty to threatening to kill his father, who he resides with, in October 2022.
Mark Glendenning, defending, said his client has struggled with alcohol for many years. After suffering from mental health issues, social drinking with family and friends turned to alcohol abuse.
As a result, he lost his job and his hobby, sailing. He said that Gifford took part in national and international competitions and is currently getting back into sailing.
Mr Glendenning said the defendant has taken significant steps to address his alcoholism – including attending a privately funded Bupa additional centre and counselling sessions.
Probation officer Claire Hyde asked the court to suspend any potential prison sentence, confirming that Gifford has made “very good progress”. She said a term in custody “may change his focus”.
Magistrates imposed a 24-week prison sentence suspended for one year. The current 18-month community order will continue to run alongside it.
He was told to pay £500 compensation to his victims, but no costs or surcharges were imposed.
