A 31-year-old man from the New Forest has been jailed for five years and three months after admitting multiple offences in New Milton in 2024, including attempt robbery, theft and assault on police.

Richard Albert Wrate, of no fixed abode, was sentenced for his series of offending at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 13 March).

It follows the below incidents in the first half of last year.

• On Monday 15 January, Wrate caused damage to a car window during a domestic-related incident on Doe Copse Way. He also then stole a purse from within the vehicle. The purse contained bank cards which were then fraudulently used to purchase items from a local shop.
• Shortly before 7am on Wednesday 17 January, Wrate was on a bicycle when he approached a woman on Pleasance Way. He attempted to steal her handbag, causing the victim to fall to the floor in the struggle, leaving her with minor injuries. When she refused to hand over the bag, Wrate eventually rode off, empty-handed.
• On the same day, he also stole from Tesco Express on Old Milton Road, including a staff member’s mobile phone and case.
• A week later, on Thursday 24 January, Wrate escaped from lawful custody and assaulted a police officer during an arrest attempt on Davis Field, at the junction with Jowitt Drive.
• Then, on Friday 3 May, he stole vodka from Morrisons Daily on Beechwood Avenue.

As well as the time he will spend in prison, Wrate will also be subject to a restraining order upon his release, and has been ordered to pay a surcharge of £228.

Speaking after the sentencing, New Milton PC and investigating officer, Chris Evans, said: “I am so pleased and relieved for all of the victims in these cases that justice has been served.

“Wrate, who has caused considerable harm to individuals and businesses, as well as our community as a whole, will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

“He has been held accountable for his criminality and will now have plenty of time to consider his actions, also preventing him from harming anyone else while he remains locked up.

“Wrate preyed upon his victims and we will never tolerate that behaviour in our town and community.

“A dangerous man is now off the streets and our community is all the safer for that fact."

Praising the victims, PC Evans, said: "I must place on record my huge thanks to the victims here for their patience and support throughout our investigation. We would not have achieved this outcome without their commitment to seeing justice served.

"I really hope that this outcome at court will bring some closure to those who suffered at Wrate's hands. We will continue to offer them support going forward.

“This result should also serve as a stark warning to others who think they are above the law that we will always take a robust approach and will work tirelessly to bring you before the courts.”