Man jailed for 12 months for theft and knife offences

A 22 year old Southampton man was last week jailed for 12 months. This comes after he was sentenced for separate incidents of theft, and carrying a bladed article in a public place.

Jacob Willoughby, of New Road, admitted the offences when he appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Wednesday, 14 February.

The first incident was back in July 2022, and was investigated by British Transport Police. He was arrested at Southampton Central train station after having been caught carrying a kitchen knife.

Further to that incident, on 18 December, Willoughby was involved in a car break-in in Whiteley. A wallet was stolen from the car in Curlew Road, but the owner was alerted to the theft and went out in the car to track down the culprits.

The victim duly caught up with the group at the petrol station on Bridge Road, Locks Heath. Police were alerted, and on attending the scene, they found Willoughby to be carrying a large pair of Tuff-cut scissors; he was arrested and charged.

PC Rosy Dudeney Cotterill said: “We take a robust stance against anyone who chooses to carry a knife or a weapon.

“As soon as you make that choice to pick up a blade, you run the very real risk of seriously injuring or even killing someone.

“We want to make clear that even in circumstances where a weapon is not used, there can be serious consequences to carrying one, including prison as in Jacob Willoughby’s case.

“There is simply no excuse.”