Salisbury man pleads guilty to breaking into cars and theft

Brendan Ashley, 27, of Victoria Drive East, Odstock, pleaded guilty to nine offences at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court.

All offences took place in the Harnham area over a three-week period between February and March this year.

The court heard that Ashley repeatedly interfered with vehicles parked in the area, either to steal the cars themselves or to take items from inside.

He admitted targeting a Volkswagen Tiguan on February 23, a Renault Scenic on February 12, a Suzuki Swift on February 9, and a Volkswagen Golf on March 2.

He also admitted to multiple thefts from vehicles.

On March 13, Ashley stole a speaker and chewing gum worth £170 from a car belonging to Gregory Hill.

He also took a cable and cash from Louise Donnachie’s vehicle and stole sunglasses and money from Peter Tibbenham’s car.

One of the more serious offences involved the theft of a wallet and £200 in cash from a vehicle owned by Jack Skillin on February 9.

Salisbury Law Courts (Image: Newsquest)

The following day, Ashley used Mr Skillin’s bank card, committing a further offence of fraud by false representation in Salisbury.

Ashley pleaded guilty to all nine offences at an earlier hearing in March and appeared in court on June 12 for a pre-sentencing hearing.

His case was adjourned to allow time for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

The offences involved multiple victims and a pattern of repeated targeting of vehicles in the same area over a short period.