Man sentenced after Fareham robberies
HAMPSHIRE POLICE have confirmed that a man has been jailed for a total of thirty-two months following an investigation into a succession of robberies across the Fareham area; which included threatening behaviours towards staff members and theft of alcohol all occurring during the evening of September 15 earlier this year.
It was reported that twenty-two year old Ben Sharpe, from no fixed abode, entered the Spar store on Arundel Street shortly after 7pm. He attempted to snatch the tills and pushed a member of staff in the process, before leaving the store after making off with a stolen bottle of Jack Daniels whisky alongside some pink gin alcohol.
At approximately 8pm Sharpe entered the Esso petrol station on Gosport Road and threatened a member of staff whilst holding the whisky bottle. He demanded that the money till was opened before grabbing the staff member in an aggressive attempt to open this till himself; eventually leaving the petrol station empty-handed.
Sharpe then entered the One Stop Store on Gosport Road around fifteen minutes later, where he threatened yet another staff member with the whisky bottle, again demanding money and cigarettes. He exited the store having stolen cans of Kopparberg cider, before being arrested by attending police officers shortly afterwards.
He was subsequently charged with the offences attempted robbery, two counts of robbery and possession of cannabis following questioning; furthermore being recalled to prison to serve the remaining time of his 5-year sentence. This was given to Sharpe back in April 2020 after being found guilty of a shop robbery in Romsey.
Sharpe entered guilty pleas to all above offences in Fareham during a previous hearing held on October 17 and further appeared at Winchester Crown Court late last week. He was jailed for a total of 32 months by a judge; this sentence being welcomed by PC Ellie Light in a short statement published on Thursday morning.
Shared on Hampshire Police’s social media she thanked the courage of all witnesses and victims: “This is a positive result following our investigation into multiple robberies in local shops. During this, members of the public were threatened & physically assaulted. These victims were targeted whilst at work and going about their day to day lives. We commend these victims for coming forward & assisting police in this investigation.”
Readers are encouraged to report incidents of robbery or threatening behaviour by calling 101 in confidence. Further information is assessible on: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/.
Alternatively, readers can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form which can be found through their website: https://orlo.uk/250kR.
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