A MAN has been jailed for more than seven months after pleading guilty to stealing champagne from an outbuilding in Wiltshire.

William Gifford, aged 39, of Upper Minety, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 10.

Gifford was spotted leaving the outbuilding of a property in Upper Minety on Tuesday, August 8.

The owners quickly discovered that alcohol and food were missing from the building.

Police officers found food and bottles of champagne which matched those stolen in Gifford's property.

Gifford was arrested and charged with burglary of a non-dwelling building.

He was remanded in custody and appeared in court the following morning where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Gifford was given a sentence of 18 weeks for this offence and a suspended sentence of 14 weeks for a similar offence in December 2022 was also activated - giving a total sentence of 32 weeks.

Inspector Steve Edwards said: “Gifford is a repeat offender and I’m pleased that he has now been given a prison sentence, during which he can hopefully reflect on his crimes.

“We take all burglaries very seriously, no matter the manner of them or the items taken, as they are incredibly invasive and affect a person’s sense of security and peace in their own home.

“Wiltshire Police has recently set up a new burglary team which is dedicated to ensuring people can feel safe in their home and that burglars are brought to justice.”