Southampton Man Sentenced for Shoplifting and Knife Possession Offences

James Robert Hillier, a 32 year old resident of Landguard Road, Southampton, has been handed a prison sentence in connection with a series of shoplifting incidents and carrying a knife in a public place.

The incident occurred on 19 August of this year. Hillier had entered the Tasty Plaice Fish & Chip shop on Portsmouth Road, where he made threatening comments to individuals present. Subsequently, he confronted a security guard at the nearby John’s Road Co-op store and was later observed in possession of a knife in the Colonnade car park.

While in the car park, Hillier spat at a man in his 50s and physically assaulted a man in his 40s, repeatedly punching him in the face.

The police swiftly responded to the scene and apprehended Hillier at a nearby address. He was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault and possession of a bladed article. Additionally, he faced four counts of theft related to shoplifting incidents at two Co-op stores.

The shoplifting incidents occurred on 07 July, 06 August, and 13 August at the Co-op store on Millbrook Road West, involving the theft of various items, including packs of cider and beer. During one of these incidents, a staff member suffered minor injuries as a result of an assault. On 12 August, Hillier stole cider and various other food and drink items from the Co-op on Shirley Road.

In addition to the aforementioned charges, Hillier was also charged with failing to comply with notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. He had failed to register a new address, thereby breaching an existing suspended sentence order.

James Robert Hillier appeared before Southampton Crown Court on 20 September, where he received a 12 month prison sentence.

Police Constable Cameron Dobby, the lead investigator in this case, emphasised that such behaviour would not be tolerated by the police. PC Dobby stated, “Hillier thought it was ok to walk around Southampton intimidating and threatening people, as well as taking whatever he wanted from local stores, assaulting staff in the process. This type of behaviour is simply not acceptable.”

PC Dobby also stressed the impact of such criminality on local businesses and the community. The police remain committed to reducing shoplifting and associated anti-social behaviour while providing a visible presence to reassure and support residents and businesses. They encourage anyone with concerns to approach patrolling officers or report incidents online or by calling 101.