Simon Snuggs, a 55-year-old resident of Tighe Close in Wantage, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison at Oxford Crown Court for three counts of dwelling burglaries and handling stolen goods. The sentencing took place on Monday, June 17, after Snuggs admitted to the charges, citing his drug addiction as the motivation for his crimes.
Details of the Offences
The court heard that Snuggs committed his first burglary on December 16 of last year in East Challow, near Wantage. He broke a kitchen window to enter the property and stole items worth approximately £5,000, including a silver signet ring, a silver bracelet, gold earrings, two wedding bands, collectible stamps, and even chocolate.
Despite being granted unconditional bail, Snuggs continued his criminal activities. On January 22, he burgled another property on Post Office Lane in Wantage, breaking two glass panels on the front door. Items stolen included a £2,200 amplifier, headphones, and 20 vinyl records, one of which was a rare album by The Killers.
Snuggs was arrested on February 5, and a search of his home led to the discovery of a stolen bank card, sunglasses, and a Nikon camera. Consequently, three counts of handling stolen goods were added to the charges against him. He was released on bail again but went on to commit a third burglary between February 22 and March 21 at a property on Claypit Lane in East Challow. During this burglary, military paraphernalia, personal photographs, and baptism certificates were stolen.
He was arrested again on March 21 after claiming to have permission from the owner to enter the property—though the owner firmly denied this claim.
Defendant’s Criminal History
The court revealed Snuggs’ extensive criminal record, which includes a shocking 129 prior offences. His defense barrister, Bethan Chichester, stated, “In short, he committed these offences to get money for drugs. He has no excuse. This is the life he has lived for many years. When he ran out of money, he committed offences largely on an opportunistic basis.”
Hopes for Reformation
While in custody, Snuggs has reportedly attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings regularly, expressing a desire to help others struggling with addiction in the future. Additionally, it was revealed in court that Snuggs has been diagnosed with cancer and feels he is “too old” to continue his criminal behavior.
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