Southampton men in ‘feral group’ stole from cars and houses

William Jackman, 21, and Jason Downs, 20, were among four men who went on a crime spree in Chandler’s Ford in March 2023.

Southampton Crown Court heard how the group set out with the "clear intention" of stealing from cars and houses.

Downs, who was 18 at the time of the offence, stole house keys from a vehicle in Fitzroy Close.

Jason Downs (Image: Hampshire Constabulary) He and the group then made off in a stolen car and later tried to burgle houses in Oakmount Road and Fitzroy Close, the court heard.

In mitigation, the court was told Jackman “had an unstable upbringing” but Judge Christopher Parker KC said: “That is cold comfort for those who were asleep in their beds.”

READ MORE: Man 'pulled woman into bushes in park and raped her,' trial is told

Jackman, of Aintree Close, Eastleigh, admitted three charges of attempted burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, and theft from a motor vehicle.

Downs, of Walton Place, Winchester, admitted theft from a motor vehicle, two attempted burglaries, and aggravated vehicle taking.

William Jackman (Image: Hampshire Constabulary) Passing sentence, Judge Parker KC said: “Your offending was not sophisticated, but it was clearly part of a planned activity by a feral criminal group.

“For the occupiers of these houses, this was very distressing. You had no idea who was behind those doors asleep, and what sort of effect it has had on them, them especially women, people who live alone, and young children.

“You are both young, but the consequences of your actions are about to catch up to you.”

He added: “There was significant planning and organising. You were running around as a group intent on committing crime.

“At least one of you had a balaclava on, and one of you had a chisel, found when stopped by police.”

Downs was handed a sentence of 22 months in a young offenders institute, while Jackman was sentenced to 22 months in prison.