Burglars Joshua Stedman and Craig James Locked Up for Series of Thefts
Joshua Stedman, 32, and Craig James, 29, were sentenced today at Portsmouth Crown Court for multiple burglaries and fraud offences dating back to 2021 and 2022.
Crime Spree Across Portsmouth and Gosport
The duo pleaded guilty to burgling a home on Beauchamp Avenue on August 31, 2022, and using stolen bank cards in fraud scams. Stedman also admitted breaking into Hardway Sailing Club on August 18. Both men confessed to stealing £174 worth of alcohol from ASDA in Fareham on August 30, 2022.
Stedman faced additional charges from a separate burglary spree in 2021, including breaking into a bungalow on The Avenue in Gosport and St Mary’s Parish Church Centre on Green Road in April 2021. He caused damage during the raids and stole paperwork, hand tools, and around £200 cash from a Wilmott Lane Depot.
Forensic Evidence Seals Their Fate
Forensic tests linked Stedman’s footprints to all three break-ins. He admitted three burglary charges at Portsmouth Crown Court in March 2022. Stedman was sentenced to 45 months behind bars, while James, formerly from Bournemouth’s Pine Road, received 29 months.
“Stedman and James are prolific burglars and thieves who are now behind bars as a result of their crimes,” said Inspector Matt Wake.
Operation Hawk Cracks Down on Burglaries
The sentences follow efforts by Hampshire Police’s Operation Hawk team, which focuses on tackling burglars and repeat offenders.
“We use expert teams to stop habitual criminals and try to rehabilitate offenders. This result should reassure the local community,” added Inspector Wake. “We encourage the public to report suspicious behaviour to help us target criminals quicker.”
If you’ve witnessed crime or suspicious activity, report it to police by calling 101 or online at Hampshire Police’s website.
