Burglar gets locked up after stealing electricals and cash – then stalking victim!
Serial thief caught red-handed on Melbourne Avenue
William Gridley, 39, broke into a home on Melbourne Avenue on Saturday, 3 December 2022. He made off with electrical equipment, cash, and other valuables. A vigilant witness spotted Gridley sneaking in and out multiple times during the raid and quickly alerted Kent Police.
Police swoop on suspect’s home
Officers visited the victim’s home following the tip-off and identified Gridley as the offender. They then moved swiftly to Gridley’s address and arrested him. Amongst the stolen goods recovered was a television. The very next day, police seized further items linked to the burglary.
Ignoring bail, Gridley stalked his victim
Gridley, of Colton Crescent, was charged and bailed. But he flagrantly breached his bail conditions by attempting to approach the victim—someone he knew—on multiple occasions while awaiting court hearings.
Jail time and restraining order handed down
On Friday, 19 April 2024, after pleading guilty, Gridley was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to two years and one month behind bars. He was also slapped with a five-year restraining order, banning any contact with the victim.
Detective Constable Isobelle Webster-Kell said: “Gridley carried out this criminality without any care for the devastating physical and mental impact it would have on the victim. Since committing the burglary, he has pestered and threatened his victim and demonstrated a total disregard for any court-imposed conditions placed upon him.
“Gridley’s custodial sentence is wholly deserved and I hope that now he is serving time for his actions, it provides a sense of justice to the victim.”
