Burglars Joshua Stedman and Craig James Locked Up in Portsmouth
Joshua Stedman, 32, and Craig James, 29, faced justice today at Portsmouth Crown Court. The pair admitted to a spree of burglaries and fraud, landing them hefty prison sentences.
Burglaries and Fraud Caught on Evidence
The duo pleaded guilty to breaking into a home on Beauchamp Avenue on 31 August 2022. They also admitted four counts of fraud involving stolen bank cards. Stedman confessed to another break-in at Hardway Sailing Club on 18 August. Both admitted stealing £174 worth of alcohol from ASDA in Fareham on 30 August 2022.
Stedman’s Earlier Crimes Dug Up
At today’s hearing, Stedman was sentenced for a string of 2021 burglaries too. In the early hours of 9 April 2021, he broke into a bungalow on The Avenue, Gosport, and St Mary’s Parish Church Centre on Green Road. He forced entry, caused damage, and stole paperwork.
Just three days later, on 12 April, Stedman targeted Wilmott Lane Depot. After failing to access the units, he broke into a nearby building and swiped hand tools and around £200 in cash.
Forensic evidence and shoe print analysis linked Stedman to all three incidents. The court hit him with three burglary charges, which he admitted at a previous hearing.
Prison Sentences Delivered
Stedman, who has no fixed address, was jailed for 45 months. James, formerly of Pine Road, Bournemouth, received a 29-month sentence.
“Stedman and James are prolific burglars and thieves who are now behind bars as a result of their crimes,” said Inspector Matt Wake.
This crackdown is thanks to the hard work of the Operation Hawk team, specialists in tackling burglary and related offences.
“We aim to stop habitual criminals from offending while helping them address the causes of their behaviour,” Inspector Wake added. “We hope this outcome reassures the local community. We urge anyone affected or noticing suspicious activity to report it.”
If you spot crime or suspicious behaviour, call 101 or report it online here.
