Man admits smashing windows in spree costing £100k

12 hours ago

Neve Gordon-Farleigh

BBC News, Suffolk

Shops and businesses on seven roads in Ipswich were damaged

Jamie Niblock/BBC A shop in Ipswich which has had its window smashed. There is also damage to the grey wooden painted frame too. On the right of the window is two sticker decals of a yellow and pink flower. — Shops and businesses on seven roads in Ipswich were damaged

A man has admitted a vandalism spree in which he caused almost £100,000 worth of damage with a skateboard.

Suffolk Police arrested Thomas Jeffrey at Majors Corner in Ipswich on suspicion of criminal damage at 00:40 BST on 1 May.

Ipswich Crown Court heard how he smashed windows along seven streets, damaging the fronts of businesses including restaurants and cafes, corner shops, a bank, opticians and a charity shop.

Jeffrey, 35, of Horseman Court in Martlesham Heath, admitted 16 counts of criminal damage at an earlier hearing. He was sentenced to two months in prison on July but will not serve more time due to the time already spent in custody.

The court heard how two of the counts of criminal damage related to costs of more than £5,000.

Jeffrey was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.

Windows of businesses along seven roads were damaged in the vandalism spree

Jamie Niblock/BBC A shop front window that has been smashed. The shop is food chain Subway and there are adverts and posters stuck to the inside of the window and a light which says OPEN. Metal tables and chairs have been placed outside the business. — Windows of businesses along seven roads were damaged in the vandalism spree

Jeffrey was also found to be in breach of a Community Behaviour Order (CBO) which he was handed in October 2024 and was ordered to pay a £50 fine.

A further two-year CBO, that he was given in November 2024, will continue.

PC Katelin Humphrey, of Suffolk Police, said numerous people across the town had been affected by the incident.

"Jeffrey caused an overwhelming amount of damage to multiple premises which has had a significant financial impact on the numerous victims, and caused disruption to many people in the community," she said.

"His actions resulted in nearly £100,000 worth of damage and shows his blatant disregard for the law or for the property of others. It is only right that this level of offending is reflected in his sentence."

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