A serial burglar who caused chaos across Brighton during a two-month crime spree has been jailed for three years following a trial at Chichester Crown Court.
James Jackson, 38, of no fixed address, was sentenced on June 27 after being convicted of four commercial burglaries that left a trail of damage and losses for local traders.
Jackson’s criminal spree began on February 8, when he smashed his way into a restaurant on Ship Street. Although nothing was stolen, an untidy search had clearly taken place, and extensive damage was left behind.
Just five days later, Jackson targeted a bakery on North Road, where he forced entry and stole two electronic tablets along with a haul of high-value baked goods.
On March 17, Jackson carried out his most lucrative burglary, breaking into a jewellery shop on Dukes Lane and fleeing with an estimated £100,000 worth of stock.
His fourth and final known offence occurred on April 1, when a bar on Western Road had its glass door panel smashed. Jackson made off with another electronic tablet and cash from the till.
Following a detailed investigation led by the Response Investigation Team in Brighton, Jackson was arrested on April 10. However, due to insufficient evidence at the time, he was conditionally bailed. Just days later, further information led to his re-arrest and formal charges for all four incidents.
Appearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on April 14, Jackson was remanded in custody. He later pleaded guilty to two of the burglaries — those in Ship Street and North Road — but denied responsibility for the Dukes Lane and Western Road break-ins.
At trial on June 24, a jury found him guilty of both remaining offences, and he was sentenced three days later.
PC Dan Stockley, of the Brighton Response Investigation Team, said:
“Small businesses were the victims of this highly damaging crime spree, and James Jackson showed a complete disregard for the harm he caused to local traders.
Thanks to the support of the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership, members of the public who responded to our identification appeal, and those who assisted with witness enquiries, Jackson has now been sentenced for all four commercial burglaries.”
Jackson’s conviction marks a win for the city’s business community, many of whom were left counting the cost of his destructive and opportunistic crimes.
Add your first comment to this post