A 25-YEAR-old man has been handed a suspended sentence after he stole a digger from a pub that was being renovated in Great Durnford.

On August 14, 2023, Connor Harfield of Hart Close, Wilton was spotted dressed in high vis and a helmet walking to a locked gate with an angle grinder at the Black Horse pub at around 5.45pm after the site had been closed and locked up.

Harfield and two unknown men were then seen loading a digger, a JCB mini excavator valued at around £16,500, into the back of a white van after stealing the keys from the office, with the digger’s roof sawn off to fit into the van.

The men fled in a van after being disturbed by the victims who witnessed them attempting to load a generator into the van.

Following forensic enquiries at the scene, Harfield was linked to the offence, arrested and subsequently charged.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months on May 16 following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

PC Willdigg of Salisbury Response said: “Theft of machinery has significant impacts for the victims – there’s not just the financial loss but it can result in lengthy project delays.

“Harfield showed no regard for the impact his crimes would have on the victim and despite clear evidence linking him to the scene, still pleaded not guilty.

“I’m pleased he has now been sentenced for his crime.”

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