Knife-Wielding Burglar Jailed After Victoria Street Standoff
Joshua Clark, 37, was arrested and locked up after police caught him with a knife on Victoria Street at around 9.50pm on 7 May 2021. The no-fixed-abode offender was charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Two Years Behind Bars Plus Burglary Sentences
Clark was convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court following a trial that started on 13 December. On 17 December, he was sentenced to two years in jail for the knife offence.
In the same hearing, Clark received an additional one-month jail term for each of two separate burglaries. These sentences run concurrently with his two-year term. He had already admitted the break-ins on 7 December.
Breaking and Entering Spree in Gosport
The burglaries took place on 8 October 2020. Clark teamed up with 54-year-old David Wood and 51-year-old Andrew Mellem to break into the Hardway 1 Club and The Jolly Roger pub on Priory Road, Gosport.
Wood and Mellem, residents of Gosport, admitted their roles in separate hearings. Both escaped jail and were handed 12-month community orders on 25 November. They must also pay £250 compensation, £85 court costs, and a £100 fine each.
- Wood is ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days
- Mellem must complete 30 RAR days
Police Speak Out on Knife Crime
“We take a very robust stance to knife crime, which is more often than not linked to serious violence,” said Police Staff Investigator Sophie Close.
“Those who carry knives can expect to face serious consequences, and that is evidenced by the jail term that Clark now faces as a result of his actions.”
