Two Sentenced After Stealing From Chichester Homebase Pallets

Thursday, 2 July 2020 13:13

By Charlotte Baker @Ch4rtweets

Two men have been sentenced after a number of items were stolen from pallets outside a DIY store in Chichester.

Police said they were alerted to a van being driven into the car park of Homebase, in Barnfield Drive, at around 9.30pm on June 28 (Sunday).

Two men were seen leaving the vehicle and heading towards the pallets of stock.

On arrival, officers discovered numerous bags of gravel and timber in the back of the vehicle.

An area search found Billy Harte, 28, of Peerley Close, Chichester, and Martin Roberts, 26, of Fishbourne Road, Chichester.

Both attempted to run away from the officers but they were detained.

(From left to right: Billy Harte and Martin Roberts)

Police said Harte was charged with attempted theft, theft, going equipped for theft, drink driving, aggravated vehicle taking and driving without insurance.

Roberts was charged with attempted theft, theft and going equipped for theft.

The pair appeared via live link at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (30 June).

Harte pleaded guilty to all offences and was given a total of 18-weeks in prison, disqualified from driving for 18 months, driving licence endorsed and ordered to £130 in compensation.

Roberts pleaded guilty to all offences, except going equipped which was dismissed by the court, and he was also sentenced for a previous matter of driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Roberts was given a 32-week custodial sentence, disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay £150 in compensation.

Investigating officer Kym Belding said:

“Thanks to a vigilant member of the public officers were able to quickly respond to reports of a burglary at the premises.

“On arrival, officers could see both van doors had been left open and stock supplies had been hastily thrown into the back.

"Harte and Roberts attempted to evade arrest but our officers acted quickly to ensure justice could be served.

“We would like to thank the member of the public for their support with our investigation and would encourage anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour to report it to us.”

More from Sussex News

Funding Available For Tree Planting In Chichester District as National Tree Week Begins

Chichester District Council is reminding landowners that funding is available to support tree planting projects across the Chichester District as part of its ‘Tree Chichester District’ initiative.
West Sussex Firefighters And Emergency Services Carry Out Training Exercise In Chichester Harbour

Firefighters have completed a joint training exercise with HM Coastguard, RNLI, and Chichester Harbour Masters Team to test their procedures in the event of a serious boat fire in Itchenor.
Shoreham Lifeboat’s Festive Look Boosted By Family-Run Business

A Brighton garden centre has declared itself 'delighted' to have been able to spread some festive cheer with a donation to Shoreham Lifeboat station.
Final Touches Being Made To £2m Sussex Wastewater Site Upgrade

A major improvement scheme at a West Sussex wastewater treatment works is being finalised to protect and enhance the local environment.
AllSaints Founder To Host Sustainable Fashion Show In Brighton To Raise Money For Homelessness In City

AllSaints Founder Stuart Trevor to host sustainable fashion show on Brighton i360 to raise money for homelessness in city
Chichester Community Warden Helping Fight Against Fraud This Christmas

A community warden at Chichester District Council is helping residents and businesses fight against fraud this Christmas.
Wealden Council Calls For Government Rethink On Winter Fuel Payment

Wealden councillors have called on the government to reconsider its decision surrounding the Winter Fuel Payment.
Snowy Protest At Lewes County Hall Calls For Fossil Fuel Divestment

Residents of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove braved snow and near-zero temperatures this morning (Thursday) to stage a 90-minute 'Divest for climate justice!' protest outside County Hall in Lewes.
Local MP Tours Firefighters’ Centre In Littlehampton

Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Alison Griffiths visited Fire Fighters Charity’s Marine Court in Littlehampton last Friday, meeting with firefighters, service users, and charity staff to learn about the health and wellbeing support provided to fire and rescue service personnel, some of whom are recovering from injury and illness.
Former Portslade Scout Leader Convicted Of 79 Child Sex Offences

A Hove man whose jobs gave him repeated access to children has been convicted of dozens of child sex offences.