A PROLIFIC offender has been jailed for more than two years after a string of burglaries and assaults on police officers.

William George Sheen, 29, from Ringwood, was sentenced to 28 months in prison at Southampton Crown Court on March 19 after pleading guilty to multiple offences.

The case involved a series of incidents, including violent assaults on officers and break-ins at local businesses.

In one incident on Tremona Road in Southampton, Sheen pushed two police officers – leaving one with an injury consistent with actual bodily harm – before escaping from custody.

He was jailed for 18 months for that offence alone.

He also admitted targeting businesses across the New Forest.

At Bramshaw Golf Club, more than £8,000 worth of golf equipment was stolen, while a separate burglary at Sandy Balls Holiday Park saw £800 worth of alcohol and £670 in cash taken from a restaurant.

Following the sentencing, New Forest District Commander Chief Insp Scott Johnson issued a strong warning about attacks on officers.

He said: “We will never tolerate our officers being assaulted in the course of their duties.

“Each assault on one of our officers is a deliberate attack on a person performing a public duty.

“Our officers work tirelessly every single day to serve and protect the public, putting themselves in harm’s way in the process.

“They should never have to fear an assault, physical or verbal, in their continued efforts to keep our communities safe.

“The idea that this behaviour is somehow ‘part of the job’ is outdated, dangerous and completely incompatible with modern policing and public expectation.”

Sergeant Nicholas Gardner added: “I’m pleased for all the victims of Sheen that he has now been placed behind bars, where he belongs, unable to commit further crimes.

“I hope this outcome offers all the victims concerned some comfort and reassurance, safe in the knowledge that this prolific offender is no longer roaming our streets and able to steal from anyone else.

“Sheen is now facing up to the consequences of his actions and will have plenty of time to think about his crimes and the impact of these.”

Police say the case highlights their ongoing determination to crack down on burglary and protect local communities.